From the standpoint of the paint, it is generally financially better to
let it
sit outside than to pay hangar rent. Of course other weather things
(potential hail
damage, ice/snow removal), the convenience of indoor work, etc may be
worth a lot to
some. For me, hangars are unavailable, and being outside isn't that big
of a deal. A
$100 cover keeps the sun off the avionics and upholstery.

Don't forget all the "intangibles" that come with having a hangar. Being
in a row of T-hangars is like docking your boat on a lake. Your neighbors
are instantly your friends, and everyone has an equal footing from which to
start, whether you're a bank president or a lowly innkeeper.

Grilling out at the hangar usually means an instant gathering, as the
airport bums are drawn to the smell of burgers and free beer. We've solved
all the world's problems in our hangar, and strategized many a business
decision in Atlas' shadow.

A place to keep your "stuff" is worth a lot, too. Riding lawn mowers fit
under the wings, motorcycles fit in the back, and our Mustang fits nicely
where the kitchen usually "lives" in summer. (We just take down the kitchen
table, and drive the car in...)

Having a living "diary" is worth something, too. We've got 8.5 x 11 inch
photos of every place we've flown, and every person we've flown with, on the
walls of our hangar. (I covered the walls with 1" styrofoam/fiberglass
insulation board, to which we staple all the photos.) It's collectively
called our "Wall of Shame", and it's absolutely priceless to us, as we can
look back and see how the kids have grown, and reminisce about great flights
and wonderful people who are no longer with us... The walls really can
"speak", and they are great conversation starters.

There is SO much more to a hangar than just an "airplane garage."

Some people have a lovely cottage on a lake -- we have a tin shack on a
strip of asphalt. But I know where I'd rather hang out!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"