What is a major consideration when selecting fabric for aircraft covering?

When selecting fabric for aircraft covering, weight and durability are crucial considerations. The fabric used must be lightweight to maintain optimal flight performance, as excessive weight can negatively impact the aircraft's lift and fuel efficiency. Durability is equally important since the aircraft's fabric covering must withstand various environmental factors, such as UV radiation, moisture, temperature extremes, and mechanical stress during flight and landing.

Choosing fabric based on these criteria ensures the structure maintains its integrity over time, thus enhancing safety and performance. While cost, appearance, and brand can influence the decision, they do not hold as much significance as the functional requirements of weight and durability in the context of aircraft safety and performance standards.