Mac's Covers - PIREP

[Ricky_231]

I brought my K home to Leesburg, VA about 2 months ago (there's a separate thread about that trip) and as some of you are aware, hangar space is very limited around here (5-year waitlist, then $600/mo). So she's tied down on the ramp - and I needed to buy a canopy cover, at least to protect the interior from the sun and windshields, doors from the weather and "stuff" hitting it (I've seen gravel flying around when the helicopters hover past us...)

So I asked the interwebs and was immediately directed to Bruce's covers. I was shocked - almost $700 for a standard canopy cover and they were trying to upsell me more than $1000 in extra stuff - wing covers, tail covers, cowling covers etc.

I already had had my cowl plugs done elsewhere for a third of Bruce's prices so I knew to look.

Found Mac's covers after a little digging (hard to search for "aircraft covers" and not end up on Bruce's page over and over again) - their website: https://www.airplane-covers.com/

$294 for a custom made canopy cover - same material as Bruce's (Sunbrella). You can get it a little cheaper ($250) if you choose a different material.

Their website is a little wonky, but I called and Kathy was incredibly helpful. Put in the order, and got the covers about 2 weeks later.

I've had them on the plane for about a month now. First impressions:

• Sturdy, durable material (as I said - impressions - I'll report back in a year and see if it holds true)
• Pretty light, but a little hard to roll/fold (I assume it'll get easier with use)
• Very good fit - they had me take measurements for the antennas and the sheath fits perfectly
• They look good - had them made in navy blue to match the plane, and embroidered the N number in red on both sides (+$20)
• So far, it's endured a lot of rain, a little snow, frost, ice, and winter sun no problem
• I wanted to retrofit it to existing snap buttons I already had on the plane, but they said they wouldn't do it (really hard to get it right, they said). So it has straps that go underneath and buckle on the other side. Not a big deal
• They come with a good quality bag/case to store them in - haven't found a use for that yet, but it's a nice touch
• I know I've mentioned it already, but it's less than HALF the cost of Bruce's covers

I'll report back after the summer with an update on how they withstand summer heat, sun, thunderstorms.

I've attached a picture I took on the first day I had them - the creases are gone now.

[tmo]

Is the area that rests on the windows, especially the windshield, padded with anything to protect the plastic from getting scratched?  If not, do y'alls think something like a polartec blanket would do more good or bad?  Any other type of material?  I'm thinking that it would be easier to keep clean, especially of the small particles that get blown around / picked up randomly.

[Ricky_231]

Just now, tmo said:

Is the area that rests on the windows, especially the windshield, padded with anything to protect the plastic from getting scratched?  If not, do y'alls think something like a polartec blanket would do more good or bad?  Any other type of material?  I'm thinking that it would be easier to keep clean, especially of the small particles that get blown around / picked up randomly.

Yep - the windshield area is padded with a cushion-like material. The side windows aren't - but it's a loose fit. I'll take a picture of the padding next time I'm at the airport.

[David Lloyd]

I was in an open hangar/shadeport hangar with the Bo for 20+ years. Usually the plane would sit on the ramp somewhere three days a week as I travelled for work.  Never had any issues with scratching the paint or windows.  Trick is, always use the cover, outside or in.  Do not let dust settle on the plane and then grind it in with the cover.  Keep the airplane clean and always use the cover.  A lot of airplanes leak a little when left out in the rain. Not a problem if the cover is in place.

[Ricky_231]

I always wipe down my plane before and after I very flight. Hate flying in a dirty bird :-)

[David Lloyd]

Another benefit: All the windows will be as clean when you come back as when you left it (on the ground).

[Ricky_231]

1 hour ago, David Lloyd said:

Another benefit: All the windows will be as clean when you come back as when you left it (on the ground).

 Not when you smash as many bugs as we usually do around here... 

[Yooper Rocketman]

I would say they go a long way to ensuring the covers are fitted correctly.  They drove down to my airport and looked at our mercy flight's Seneca because they had an order for one.  Drove 3 hours round trip and spent a good hour taking measurements and pictures.  Offered us a free cover for the opportunity to help them and I said no.  We didn't need one and as a start up, wanted to help them.  Good people!

Tom

[Browncbr1]

Yea, they are good people and offer a good value.  I have had one for 5 years and still looks new.  I sprayed it down with silicone when I got it.  But I ordered a new one when I did the 201 windshield stc this past summer.  They put in the tail number embroider and a few special construction requests I had, as I’m kinda anal about textile sewing. (Coming from years in the industry).  

I still have the other one with OEM windshield shape if anyone needs it.    Actually, it fits the slopes windshield, but not all that great.  

[kpaul]

2 hours ago, Browncbr1 said:

Yea, they are good people and offer a good value.  I have had one for 5 years and still looks new.  I sprayed it down with silicone when I got it.  But I ordered a new one when I did the 201 windshield stc this past summer.  They put in the tail number embroider and a few special construction requests I had, as I’m kinda anal about textile sewing. (Coming from years in the industry).  

I still have the other one with OEM windshield shape if anyone needs it.    Actually, it fits the slopes windshield, but not all that great.  

I may be interested in your cover, I still have the stock F windshield.

[phik]

I know, I'm resurrecting a pretty old thread...

2+ years later -- are you still happy with your cover? If you were in the market for one today, would you buy another from Mac's?

Thanks!

[Ricky_231]

Yes and yes. Good as new. Endured sun, rain, snow, ice for the past 3 years, no sun damage either, only the tail number embroidery got a little faded on the south side. 

 

[Jcmtl]

3 hours ago, phik said:

I know, I'm resurrecting a pretty old thread...

2+ years later -- are you still happy with your cover? If you were in the market for one today, would you buy another from Mac's?

Thanks!

I bought one last year and its very good.

only comment is that the sleeve for the antenna didn’t fit, it was too short, so i brought it to a tailor who sewed in a piece of waterproof fabric.  Make sure you measure the antenna length.