New Guy Here – Bringing BoatLife's Proven Sealants to Aviation

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AeroLife

Filing Flight Plan
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Jan 6, 2026
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AeroLife
Hey folks,

Name's Shaw, just signed up here after reading threads for a while.
I'm putting together a sales push for AeroLife – we've been making aviation-specific sealants and adhesives since 2006, aimed right at light sport and general aviation stuff like fuel tanks, fairings, windshields, composites, all that.
We manufacture everything ourselves down in Charleston, SC, so we control the whole process start to finish.
A lot of you probably already know our BoatLife line – that's been around since 1959, pretty much the top pick for boat builders and stocked in thousands of places like West Marine nationwide.
Now we're bringing that same level of quality and reliability over to the aviation side, and I could really use some input from you guys who actually work on planes day in and day out.
Gonna hang around, read posts, and chime in where I can.
Looking forward to it.

Clear skies,
Shaw

aerolife.png
 
Hi… I fly a Grumman. Most Grummans have wet wings with tanks that are sealed. I’d recommend you contact Dave Fletcher at FletchAir or Grumman Owners and Pilot Association (GOPA). Once he/they puts out the word that your sealant is good for sealing the Grummans, I’m sure a folks will like having another product available.
 
Bell206 said:
What type of specifications or standards do your sealants and adhesives meet or conform to?
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Hi there -
Our sealants and adhesives meet recognized ASTM, Federal, and Military standards, including ASTM C920 and applicable Federal and MIL specifications, and are Made in the USA. We maintain an active CAGE Code, and while our AS9100 and ISO certifications are currently in progress, we expect to have them completed later this year.
 
AeroLife said:
Hey folks,

Name's Shaw, just signed up here after reading threads for a while.
I'm putting together a sales push for AeroLife – we've been making aviation-specific sealants and adhesives since 2006, aimed right at light sport and general aviation stuff like fuel tanks, fairings, windshields, composites, all that.
We manufacture everything ourselves down in Charleston, SC, so we control the whole process start to finish.
A lot of you probably already know our BoatLife line – that's been around since 1959, pretty much the top pick for boat builders and stocked in thousands of places like West Marine nationwide.
Now we're bringing that same level of quality and reliability over to the aviation side, and I could really use some input from you guys who actually work on planes day in and day out.
Gonna hang around, read posts, and chime in where I can.
Looking forward to it.

Clear skies,
Shaw

View attachment 148788
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Really appreciate the insight — that’s super helpful.
Just to be upfront, we’re still in the process of getting our ISO and AS9100 certifications. I’ve made it clear to the owners that this is a top priority as we push further into aerospace. However, we do have an active CAGE code. Given this information, what is advice moving forward?
 
AeroLife said:
Given this information, what is advice moving forward?
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In general, your ISO or AS9100 ratings don't have much effect at the field maintenance level especially under Part 91. However, they do if trying to market toward Part 135, Part 145, or similar operator due to various vendor audit requirements. From strictly a mx point, the specific AMS, MIL-SPEC, ASTM, etc. standards/specifications you produce your products under is the main priority. But just because your product meets a standard, doesn't mean its the same standard/spec required by the aircraft OEM documentation. That said, the mechanic or mx provider does have flexibility on occasion to substitute products provided they can show the alternate product meets the original product intent and result. Do you have a listing you can post that shows each of your products and the specific standard or specification they were manufactured to? If so, I can give you some specific examples on how that would work.
 
Add Mooneys, 210’s and Cardinals to the Wet Wing List.

A cross reference to Pro-Seal ( DeSoto) products could really helpful.
 
Can also add Commander 112, 114, and 115 to the wet wing list...
 
Bell206 said:
In general, your ISO or AS9100 ratings don't have much effect at the field maintenance level especially under Part 91. However, they do if trying to market toward Part 135, Part 145, or similar operator due to various vendor audit requirements. From strictly a mx point, the specific AMS, MIL-SPEC, ASTM, etc. standards/specifications you produce your products under is the main priority. But just because your product meets a standard, doesn't mean its the same standard/spec required by the aircraft OEM documentation. That said, the mechanic or mx provider does have flexibility on occasion to substitute products provided they can show the alternate product meets the original product intent and result. Do you have a listing you can post that shows each of your products and the specific standard or specification they were manufactured to? If so, I can give you some specific examples on how that would work.
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Great. Attached is a PDF listing of all our AeroLIFE products along with their intended applications. You can also check out our full lineup on our website here: https://www.aerolifeindustries.com/.
We’re working with our marketing team to create a full AeroLIFE catalog, like the ones we have for BoatLIFE and RV by Life, which will include specs, applications, and more details.
Thanks for your guidance — looking forward to seeing some examples!
 

Attachments

One thing I will add which is probably pretty obvious.

No one is going to use a product to seal a wet wing that cost $5-8K without assurances that it meets the same spec as the product that is currently being used. Especially when it comes to fuel and fuel line compatibility
 
Re #10 :

There is an AD on Grumman singles due to sealant dissolving and contaminating the fuel system.

Also met aircraft where improper sealants made access panel removal a real chore.
 
I assume that by Federal you mean FAA and their required paperwork?

I remember when we re did the the interiors in our club planes, the even the glue used had to be approved. I assume burn performance was involved.
 
AeroLife said:
looking forward to seeing some examples!
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Unfortunately, the attached sheet or your website does not offer any specific standard/spec numbers which cover those products. At least from what I see. So no examples possible until that info is posted.
 
Magman said:
Re #10 :

There is an AD on Grumman singles due to sealant dissolving and contaminating the fuel system.

Also met aircraft where improper sealants made access panel removal a real chore.
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Can you provide the AD number? I am not aware of a “wing sealant” AD.
 
AD 89 18 08 and GAC SB 176.

There is a in depth cleaning and examination of the fuel system and

a change in the Pro- Seal spec required. I recall wiping deteriorated sealant

from the tank area and checking filters. IIRC the issue was caused by

the change in fuels near that era. 100/130 to 100Ll?
 
Ok, thanks. I forgot about this one. My 1979 Tiger had this complied with as all Tigers should have by now. But that issue is one the OP needs to be concerned about with his product.
 
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Bell206 said:
Unfortunately, the attached sheet or your website does not offer any specific standard/spec numbers which cover those products. At least from what I see. So no examples possible until that info is posted.
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Can you clarify what you mean by spec standards? I’m trying to better understand what information you’re looking for. Thank you
 
AeroLife said:
Can you clarify what you mean by spec standards?
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You mentioned in Post 4 your products were made to those standards and specifications and you even listed one of those specifications, ASTM C920, as shown below. However, that spec applies to construction tasks and not aviation tasks which have their own set of specifications. So if all your products only meet construction standards and not aviation standards then none can technically be used on aircraft.

Our sealants and adhesives meet recognized ASTM, Federal, and Military standards, including ASTM C920 and applicable Federal and MIL specifications, and are Made in the USA.
Click to expand...
 
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