Malcolm Teas wrote:

We're debating on fabric covered wings or metal. I've been told that
fabric wings shouldn't be outside. Then I've been told that with the
new synthetic fabrics and paints, that a tie down is perfectly fine.

New fabrics such as Ceconite last pretty much forever if properly applied and
painted. Tiedown is fine. The old natural fiber fabrics will last as little as
two years if left outside. Polyfiber and Ceconite are two different methods of
covering an aircraft with a synthetic fabric. Either method works well and the
fabric used is the same. Those are the two most common modern covering methods.

If a fabic wing would work outside, I'd prefer that as I also
understand that the cost of ownership is lower.

While it might be cheaper to buy a particular fabric aircraft, I doubt that the
maintenance costs of one would be less than that of an identical metal aircraft.
A Cessna 170A will cost you the same as a 170B in care and feeding.

George Patterson
Treason is ne'er successful, Sir; what then be the reason? Why, if treason
be successful, Sir, then none dare call it treason.