How can you tell if fabric has reached "maximum tension?"

To determine if fabric has reached "maximum tension," the fabric should feel taut and exhibit no wrinkles or sagging. When properly tensioned, the material maintains a smooth surface that is tight against the underlying structure. This lack of wrinkles or sagging indicates that the fabric has been stretched appropriately, allowing it to perform effectively in terms of aerodynamics and structural integrity.

A taut fabric surface is essential in aircraft covering, as it minimizes drag and potential performance issues. The production of wrinkles or sagging suggests insufficient tension, which can lead to problems such as increased drag, diminished protective qualities, or even failure of the material over time.

While color changes and sounds produced when tapping the fabric can indicate various conditions of the covering, they are not reliable indicators of maximum tension. The primary visual and tactile cue you are looking for is that the fabric is smooth and evenly stretched across the surface.