Stealth Pilot wrote:
snip
the implicit assumption in your post is that an aircraft just prior
to
restoration will be enjoyable and safe to fly. will it?


A lot depends on the local environment. I live in the desert and
most of the airplanes around here are tied down outside. My plane has
been sitting outside for the better part of 25 years and it has no
corrosion problems. Neither did my previous plane. After 25 years of
outside storage, my plane is quite enjoyable and safe to fly. In the
last 10 yrs. I've saved $27,600US over the cost of a hangar (assuming
one was available).

The waiting list for hangars at my local airport has surpassed 10
yrs. Availablility is not much better at any of the other local
aiports. I could buy one of the private hangars that are being built
locally, but the cost would be approximately double what my plane is
worth.

To hangar or not to hangar is one of those questions that will depend
on the local environment and the airplane. I might worry about tying
down a fabric covered plane, for fear of deterioration from UV rays,
but I have no qualms about leaving my aluminum bird sitting on the
ramp.

John Galban=====N4BQ (PA28-180)