Shades vs hangars and maintenance

[fatsportpilot]

I have the option to get shaded tie-downs in California (in the valley so very hot but fairly mild weather otherwise) for a few years while on a waiting list for a hangar. How does that affect the thin and light aluminum bodies of modern sport aircraft like SportCruiser and Bristell? How will it affect maintenance down the line? I would never consider a tie-down alone for anything but an aging 172.

[drseti]

Grab the shaded tiedown if that's all that's available, but keep yourself on the hangar waiting list. I've had students forego available hangars out of false economy. They say "I'll just tie down outside, and use all the money I save for a paint job when the plane needs it." What they fail to recognize is that exposure affects far more than just the paint.

[RV12Heal]

Shades are obviously better than open tie-downs but not nearly as good as enclosed hangars. Some things to consider when using shade hangars:

-- Aircraft get dirty in shades real fast -- lots of blowing dirt but no cleansing rain (rain in California -- HA!).
-- Paint, windows, interior, and avionics will definitely age quicker out in the sun.
-- Beware of using an external canopy cover -- the inevitable grit and wind will likely abrade the aircraft's plexiglas windows.
-- Security is less -- consider internal windshield covers or a sheet over the instrument panel ("out of sight out of mind"). However note that determined avionics thieves or other such reprobates can easily and quickly access any light aircraft. A hidden alarm can be useful in scaring off such lowlifes but some break-in airframe damage may have already occurred. There is also a philosophy suggested by some that leaving the aircraft unlocked results in less costly airframe damage at the expense of stolen avionics, etc. -- its a balance.
-- Consider the various sun angles that will impact your aircraft throughout the year -- often the interior and windows get unwanted sunlight.
-- Tie down the aircraft and lock the controls while in the shade hangar -- wind can still impact a shaded aircraft.
-- Our feathered friends love shaded aircraft so cover cowling inlets and beware of nests.
-- At some public airports it can be difficult to do certain maintenance out in the open (as opposed to being somewhat more stealthy inside an enclosed hangar) -- see if local airport regs have any impact.

[drseti]

All very good points!

[Wm.Ince]

All very good points!

x2

Good advice from both of you.