On 21 May 2004 07:42:56 -0700, (Malcolm Teas)
wrote:

Ok, I know the received wisdom that a fabric plane shouldn't be kept
in the open and should always be hangared.

But, I started to question this after noticing several fabric planes
in the open at my home airport. They look in better shape than the
metal winged planes sometimes. I also know that the newer fabrics
(Ceconite and others) last much longer than the old cotton. And that
UV resistants in paint help more.

Anyone really doing this? What are the results on your plane? Any
A&Ps seen results from outside fabric?

Thanks,
-Malcolm Teas


The new processes definately work better than when cotton was used.
From experience I can say that the "Ceconite" process (using nitrate
and buterate) does not last as long as the "Stits" process. I'd
estimate that with Ceconite you'd get about 10-12 years out of a
fabric job if its kept outside 24/7/365. I've seen airplanes done
with Stits that are 10 years old and look brand new.

The amount of life you get will also depend on how sunny your climate
is, etc...

Just to be clear the actual fabric used is the same for each process.
How the fabric is treated is where the differences come into play.

HTH.
z