Outdoor Storage - J400

·         Ryan Mollaun

·         Topic Author

·         Offline

·         Posts: 5

·         

I am lucky enough to now own a J400 and it has been hangered in the past, however I wish to now keep it tied down on the tarmac (on the coast).

I will have tail covers + wing covers + main fuselage covers + prop cover. So really just undercarriage + tail boom + engine cowling open to the elements.

My LAME mentioned that the issue currently is water getting into the ailerons (albeit small volume) and over time penetrating into the fibreglass as I am waiting on the wing covers.

In Jabiru's experience with composites, do you see any safety issues / degrigation in leaving it outside if I have these covers (other than some additional maintenance with higher needs to replace nuts/bolts on exposed areas).

Some say it is a false economy saving on hangerage due the increased maintenance. I tend to disagree, but would be nice to get another opinion.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

·         Doug Smith

·         

·         Offline

·         Posts: 287

·         

Hi Ryan,
First of all I should say that I am a Hangar Fanatic - I've seen too many nice aircraft and other machines rot away from neglect outside. Having got that out of the way I'll answer your questions!
As you've said, keeping your aircraft outside is perfectly practical but you will need to keep up the maintenance. If you get behind, things like engine corrosion can cause a lot of very expensive damage surprisingly quickly. You'll also want to use an engine oil with corrosion protection.
Sounds like you're doing the right thing with your covers - particularly the propeller cover. I'd also recommend you use covers on your cowl cooling air inlets, engine air inlet and exhaust outlet. Covers for your fuel vents, pitot and static systems are also very important - and you will have to be fastidious with your water checks during pre-flight inspections. The only trick with covers is that they need to be fitted and adjusted correctly or they can cause damage themselves through rubbing etc.
Water absorption is a classic issue with composites - the water seeps into the pores of the material. If it freezes it will cause damage directly and even if it doesn't the weight of the water can affect the control balance and cause flutter. That said, the lay-ups Jabiru use in the controls have been tested and found to be relatively insusceptible to this issue - because they are laid up wet and there don't tend to be many pores or air gaps for water to get in to. The issue of water getting into the relatively large voids inside the controls is still there but the controls are drilled with holes to let the water out so pretty basic inspections are all that's needed to make sure they're ok. There are balance limits in the Technical manual for the ailerons too.
Hope that answers your questions!
Doug.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Last Edit: by Doug Smith. Reason: Fix typo

·         Ryan Mollaun

·         Topic Author

·         Offline

·         Posts: 5

·         

Thanks so much Doug - some really good points which I'll be acting on 🙂

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

·         Doug Smith

·         

·         Offline

·         Posts: 287

·         

No problem!
D.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.