Step 12.1, Fairing the canopy

When the canopy is attached to the frame the canopy's edge is flat against the wind.  A fiberglass fairing is constructed to smooth the transition from the cowling to the canopy providing aerodynamic as well as aesthetic advantages.

The process is simple:  keep adding fiberglass layers until the transition forms a smooth arc.

The loose fabric visible on the top is not fiberglass.  It's called peel ply.  The objective of peel ply is to protect the surface of the curing fiberglass when it is planned to add additional layers.  When peel ply is used it is not necessary to prepare the surface with sanding or cleaning prior to bonding the next layer.  Just peeling the peel ply off leaves the surface clean, and the texture of the fabric gives sufficient bite to adhere the next layer of glass.

The first few layers are made black with dye because the fiberglass overlaps the canopy edge and is visible from the inside.

After five or six layers the transition is beginning to flatten out into a nice curve.

The profile of the curve is made uniform with the aid of  the reverse side of a sanding block. 

The thick black tape protects the canopy from the sandpaper.

And finally, the canopy in its finished state.  Note the tie down strap.  It's keeping the canopy from tipping over and falling off of the roll around cart while I finish off the underside.