Leave a set of keys in the plane?

[TGreen]

Do any of you leave an extra set of keys in the plane? When I am on a trip I sometimes think this might be a good idea so I am not stranded if I misplace my keys. 

[Unit74]

You leave the doors unlocked as well?

[MIm20c]

I hide a set in the tail.  It has saved my bacon more than once. 

[Niko182]

30 minutes ago, TGreen said:

Do any of you leave an extra set of keys in the plane? When I am on a trip I sometimes think this might be a good idea so I am not stranded if I misplace my keys. 

I removed the key switch for that exact reason.

[ArtVandelay]

I removed the key switch for that exact reason.

Do you leave the door open?

[Niko182]

16 minutes ago, ArtVandelay said:

Do you leave the door open?

If its at john wayne no. If i go somewhere, yes.

[1964-M20E]

Well the locks are really for honest people.  Not very hard to force the door open.  At least the older models.

[philiplane]

some have put spare keys inside the back side of cowl plugs, where the vinyl is closed with velcro. 

[carusoam]

Another thread... has many keys hidden behind battery access panels...

Need a screw driver to get there...

Best regards,

-a-

[rbridges]

On 9/7/2020 at 7:17 PM, MIm20c said:

I hide a set in the tail.  It has saved my bacon more than once. 

If someone had x-ray vision, I bet he'd see a lot of keys in the tail or by the battery box. Not saying I do, but not saying I don't. 

[Greg Ellis]

When I bought my C model, a previous owner had riveted a little metal container with a sliding lid that had the words Hide a Key on it onto the inside air box that is below the Voltage regulator.  I don't keep a key in it anymore but it is still there.

Looks almost exactly like this:

[Jetrn]

the previous owner zipped tied a spare key in the tail.

[Seth]

On 9/7/2020 at 8:59 PM, philiplane said:

some have put spare keys inside the back side of cowl plugs, where the vinyl is closed with velcro. 

That's a great idea!

[Seth]

4 hours ago, Jetrn said:

the previous owner zipped tied a spare key in the tail.

What I have been told by a few is zip typing a cabin key in the tail and hiding the ignition key somewhere inside the cabin. So you have to know both places. One for access ot the cabin, another to turn on the aircraft.

I have said I'd do this many times and then have not.

-Seth

[J0nathan225]

Half the time my key is in the ignition, for the other half I think I'm really sneaky and it's in the side pocket .

This thread has me concerned I should rethink my lack of "security" or atleast review my insurance policy closely in terms of theft. 

 

 

[skydvrboy]

Must be regional. Here in small town middle America, most planes live in unlocked hangars with the keys hanging on one of the instrument knobs, and unrestricted access onto the airports. 

I'm a little more cautious than that, but depending on my perception of the risk, I've left the keys in the plane, unlocked, on the ramp for short periods of time. 

[1964-M20E]

On 9/9/2020 at 9:19 AM, rbridges said:

If someone had x-ray vision, I bet he'd see a lot of keys in the tail or by the battery box. Not saying I do, but not saying I don't. 

If I knew that I would have taken your plane for a spin around Orlando this past weekend  I have a screwdriver handy in my plane.

[rbridges]

16 minutes ago, 1964-M20E said:

If I knew that I would have taken your plane for a spin around Orlando this past weekend  I have a screwdriver handy in my plane.

Heck, that screwdriver probably works in half the mooney door locks and ignitions. 

[aviatoreb]

I switched to a button push electro air switch (for surefly ignition).  So no more ignition key.  I do have a secret hide- a- key for the door.  But I’ll never tell ya where on the internet!  :-0. What if the barefoot bandit is reading?

[RLCarter]

zip ties can break with age, bolting in place would be my choice. Another choice would be give the spares to who ever your traveling with

[ragedracer1977]

My plane doesn’t have a key.  For the door locks, yes.  But the ignition is pushbutton

[Skydancer2992]

On 9/7/2020 at 6:04 PM, TGreen said:

Do any of you leave an extra set of keys in the plane? When I am on a trip I sometimes think this might be a good idea so I am not stranded if I misplace my keys. 

The CH751 key that opens my Winnebago's hatches also opens my M20E's baggage and passenger doors. It turns in the ignition but won't push on the starter. It also opens several file cabinets at my geology club. They sell on Ebay like 10 for $15.

I am considering duct taping one of these inside one of the wheel wells.

[LANCECASPER]

One of these on the inside of an access panel.

https://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Soft-Hide-HolderLarge-Self-Adhesive/dp/B003EMSUKS