Anyone keeping a fabric plane in the open?

Modern fabrics are very durable, althought the finishes vary. Depending
upon your climate, I would be more concerned about the potential for
rusting of structural tubing if water gets in. Also sunlight can really do
a lot of damage to the interior. A good set of covers might be a good
investment if you are going to store outside.

The final condition of my Champ purchase a few years back was that I had to
be able to locate hangar space. I wouldn't keep any plane outside, but
hangar rental here is reasonable (in airplane dollars :-) ... however, I
have seen hangar rental rates quoted for some markets (usually near large
US cities) that must exceed the increased depreciation resulting from
outdoor storage.

Rob

(Malcolm Teas) wrote in
om:

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



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