JJ Campbell Posted February 19, 2020 Report Share Posted February 19, 2020 I’m thinking of buying a CTSW. Where I live it might take years to get a hanger. How bad is it for the aircraft to leave it outside for extended periods? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibjet Posted February 20, 2020 Report Share Posted February 20, 2020 My CT was apparently tied down for several years. It freaked me out when I realized it. I really have not heard anyone read in on how safe the wing is against UV light causing degrading of strength but that is the main concern, will the strength of the wing degrade over time. Mine still has a shiny white gel coat. Second issue: It turned out that I had a swivel bearing in the tail where the elevator cable ends that was corroded. It was affecting the elevator travel, making it jerky/bindy. It is very difficult to get out. I removed the elevator trying to figure out the problem and it was quite a fiasco, but sure glad I fixed it. Anyway, that could happen if a CT was left out also. It would require extra care for lubing all the controls. And, of course, you can buy a cover set for the wings, cockpit area and even for the prop. I would think that a metal airplane would fare better outdoors. The weather takes a toll on any vehicle left outdoors. Best of luck, ET Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGLyme Posted February 20, 2020 Report Share Posted February 20, 2020 Jet is right... I paid for my flying lessons and college washing and waxing planes as a kid. if you wax frequently and cover the cockpit religiously then you should be ok until you eventually get a hangar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyjr Posted February 20, 2020 Report Share Posted February 20, 2020 Mine is tied down outside. I purchased a full set of covers from Bruce and they keep the sun, rain and dirt off really well. Lubricating everything is always good regardless of in or outdoor tie down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ODowneyEng Posted February 21, 2020 Report Share Posted February 21, 2020 My friend has been keeping his Cirrus 22 tied down at Farmingdale NY for the past nine years. He uses a Bruce full canopy cover. Prospects of getting a hanger is Zero to None. Was up there last week and it still looks new. He keeps it well waxed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrassStripFlyBoy Posted February 21, 2020 Report Share Posted February 21, 2020 Something to consider is buying one that already has a bit of "out in elements" to it, that way it's already reflected in the price & history. I see a recent ad here of a CTSW for sale that is LOADED with avionics, and see the graphics on wing are showing cracking from weathering, probably why the price point is where it is already... https://www.barnstormers.com/ad_detail.php?id=1549751&catid=20293 Then when you score the hanger take the opportunity to touch up paint, graphics, etc - all to your taste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug G. Posted January 18, 2023 Report Share Posted January 18, 2023 Why would this be different than a boat? They are both covered with epoxy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skunkworks85 Posted January 19, 2023 Report Share Posted January 19, 2023 19 hours ago, Doug G. said: Why would this be different than a boat? They are both covered with epoxy. Boats have gel coat, completely different than CT construction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anticept Posted January 19, 2023 Report Share Posted January 19, 2023 Boats look like crap after years in the elements too. But as SW said, their paint is a lot more resilient. Flight designs use acrilic urethane paint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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