Cover or No Cover

[jax88]

No hangar for my 20F, should I cover more than just the canopy?  Will covering the wings, engine, tail, etc. trap moisture and possibly cause corrosion?

[carusoam]

For excellent input, Talk with Jim Cancil at www.planecover.com

East coast style cover (see attached photog).  Withstood 50kt winds in its first week of work.

I had one for my M20C for 10 years.  (at 5 years, you send it back to have the sewing restitched)

The cover should extend forward over you avionics access panels and rearward over the ceiling vent and baggage compartment door.  I think there was a vent in the cover to correspond with the ceiling vent in my C.

Also consider intake plugs, Zipper access door and possibly tail cone cover.  There are solutions for every type of antenna, bump and protrusion.

If you get the opportunity to speak with Jim, ask him about the specifics of what to cover for your area of the country.

[M016576]

Bruce's custom covers are also pretty nice, and offer similar options.  I have one, but haven't had the rivit kit installed yet to just snap the cover on (instead of using straps).  It's a nice cover, but costly.  I use it when I'm on the road and tie down.  Keeps the cockpit nice and cool... also keeps water from the antennas and glass, which I like.  It seems to stay pretty secure, even in high winds and nasty rain.

[Qwalton]

I have to leave my plane tied-down and I have a bruce's custom cover for it.  It looks a lot like the one in the picture that Carusoam attached.  I like it, it stays pretty secure and it's very easy to get on and off.

[GeorgePerry]

Quote: jax88

No hangar for my 20F, should I cover more than just the canopy?  Will covering the wings, engine, tail, etc. trap moisture and possibly cause corrosion?

[jax88]

Since the issue of trapped moisture hasn't been addressed, can I assume that these types of covers will not cause me any problems with moisture here in San Antonio?

[carusoam]

I have not noticed any trapped moisture.  This may be more of an issue for covering horizontal surfaces. 

Nothing beats being inside.  IMHO - If you have to be outside, than a cover is the way to go (keeps out the sunshine and rain).

The third option that I have seen (mostly in Texas) is the roof overhead, but still with a cover (see airkraft's avatar).

-a-