Airplane sitting for 3 1/2 months

[kpaul]

My plane is going to have to sit for the next 3 1/2 months.  It is be hangared.  Should I disconnect the battery, get a battery maintainer or just let it sit?

 

[gsengle]

Anyone like your CFI you can get to fly it while you're away?

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[kpaul]

14 minutes ago, gsengle said:

Anyone like your CFI you can get to fly it while you're away?

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I though about trying to find someone, however the one that I did my transition training with is located quite a distance away.  I don't want to make it inconvenient for anyone.    

[gsengle]

It's not inconvenient if you're paying

You'd have to cover flying over to your airplane or driving over...

Just a thought

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[kpaul]

Yeah, he would not even let me pay him for my transition training.

[gsengle]

Well lucky you! Nice guy. Luckily my CFI is right at my field... I'm sure others will advise on what to do with the engine...

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[LANCECASPER]

1 hour ago, kpaul said:

My plane is going to have to sit for the next 3 1/2 months.  It is be hangared.  Should I disconnect the battery, get a battery maintainer or just let it sit?

 

A batteryminder is always a good idea whether its going to be sitting awhile or not. It keeps some activity going in the battery which extends the life.

[kpaul]

Just now, LANCECASPER said:

A batteryminder is always a good idea whether its going to be sitting awhile or not. It keeps some activity going in the battery which extends the life.

I have the Gill G-35.  I was looking on AS at this charger https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/vdc12248aas5.php It specifically mentions Concord but not Gill.

[Danb]

Consider an engine dehumidifier

[Bob_Belville]

6 minutes ago, kpaul said:

I have the Gill G-35.  I was looking on AS at this charger https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/vdc12248aas5.php It specifically mentions Concord but not Gill.

I don't use a battery minder but from previous threads I understand that there are differences so as you're doing you should confirm match before choosing. I suspect someone here will comment with what you need for your G-35.

[bonal]

I would at least make sure it gets a fresh oil change prior to sitting don't forget the cam guard 

[LANCECASPER]

Even though Spruce has the wrong picture, the one you need for the Gill has the "-S2" suffix at the end of the part number,

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/batteryminder11-14347.php

[N601RX]

I would skip the battery minder and put that money toward a new Concord battery when the Gill dies. The maintainer is 2/3's the price of a new battery. I would be more concerned about the engine and would either find someone to fly it a few times or do a fresh oil change/dehumidifier just before you leave. Also look at the dehumidifier plugs for the cylinders. I would not want to just let it set for that long without doing anything.

[MB65E]

Hi Paul, Dump the oil, put fresh stuff in. 

You could remove the battery. Maybe have your tech monitor it at his shop on a charger etc. Or just treat yourself to a new sealed concord when you get back. 

I would not leave it plugged in while you are gone. 

Take care, 

-Matt

[markejackson02]

I would remove the battery from the plane, put it on an acid proof mat on the hangar floor and hook the Gill specific Battery Minder up to it.  It's what I do when my plane will sit for two weeks.

I would change the oil before letting it sit as well.

 

[thomas1142]

Who did you do your transition training with?

[DXB]

2 hours ago, kpaul said:

I have the Gill G-35.  I was looking on AS at this charger https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/vdc12248aas5.php It specifically mentions Concord but not Gill.

They make many Battery Minder flavors that are battery specific.  I have a G35 also but  don't have my battery minder model number for it handy at the moment. Just call their customer service- I've dealt with them a couple of times- probably the easiest way to get the right model number.  BTW before I bought mine, they did tell me that if I upgrade to a sealed Concorde later, I can send the Battery Minder to them to have it reset. They also said that mine would still benefit a Concorde battery if I didn't do this, just leave it slightly below the maximal charge, but the one for the Concorde could overcharge and damage the wet Gill.  

 

Edit: i found the part number: #12248-AA-S2.  You might want to double check though.

[kpaul]

Thanks for all the replies

[kpaul]

8 hours ago, thomas1142 said:

Who did you do your transition training with?

Chuck Ebbecke.  He is a Master CFII. His M20J is based out of Bonifay, FL (1J0).  He was a MAPA Safety Foundation Instructor and currently a FAASTeam lead for this area.

[jetdriven]

A Blackmax dehumidifier can really help, no moisture no corrosion.  The dessicant type units need to be recharged at intervals, but the Black max is an actual electronic dehumidifier.

[jclemens]

14 weeks in a hangar is not a long time.  I would just park it.  Unhooking the battery wouldn't hurt, in case there is something on the hot buss.

[Mooneymite]

10 hours ago, jclemens said:

14 weeks in a hangar is not a long time.  I would just park it.  Unhooking the battery wouldn't hurt, in case there is something on the hot buss.

Yes....!

3.5 months isn't that big a deal for a heathy battery.  Might put an overnight trickle charge on it before you fly when you get back.

[Godfather]

I would spend the money for a good charger and not worry about a few months.  The only time I take the batteries out is at annual...no reason imo to waste time doing it any other time.  However, I'm slow and it takes me 20 mins to get them out.

[larryb]

Batteries and chargers are cheap. The real risk to your wallet is engine corrosion. I've been measuring humidity inside my engine, and it is certainly present. I would change the oil and fly it one time to get that fresh oil well distributed. And I would have a method to actively keep the humidity down. 

Larry

[Raptor05121]

3 months isnt a long time. Mine has been sitting for 6 months just waiting on an annual. Camguard and fresh oil wouldn't hurt, and just wait for the Gill to die and get a Concorde.