Back in the '70s when I was a kid hanging out at the local grass strip there was an Aeronca Champ that was tied down outdoors all year round. It was flown regularly. Up in Alaska there are fabric covered aircraft exposed to the elements as part of their normal life. Today we have treatments such as Hipec which are advertised to give exceptional protection to fabric, in addition to modern fabrics which are said to be more durable.
The reason for that prelude is that if I proceed with a fabric-covered aircraft, there is no hangar availability in my area. The waiting lists are years long.
Using the right materials, how durable are today's coverings? The biggest factor would be UV here in the SC Lowcountry. I'm far enough inland that salt isn't a factor, but high humidity is normal.
Also, I've seen wing & fuselage covers online that provide protection.
I've had a lot of people tell me that if I can't park it in a hangar, go with metal. I've had a few tell me that fabric would be fine with the right materials.
What say ye?
The reason for that prelude is that if I proceed with a fabric-covered aircraft, there is no hangar availability in my area. The waiting lists are years long.
Using the right materials, how durable are today's coverings? The biggest factor would be UV here in the SC Lowcountry. I'm far enough inland that salt isn't a factor, but high humidity is normal.
Also, I've seen wing & fuselage covers online that provide protection.
I've had a lot of people tell me that if I can't park it in a hangar, go with metal. I've had a few tell me that fabric would be fine with the right materials.
What say ye?
