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-   -   How to maintain plane during Coronavirus shutdown? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=181334)

lon@carolon.net 04-12-2020 12:47 PM

How to maintain plane during Coronavirus shutdown?
 
Here in Los Angeles County, we've been ordered to stay at home, except for essential activities, until the Coronavirus pandemic is under control. I have decided that, for me, that means no flying. I don't criticize others who are flying. Indeed, a couple of flight schools in the area are still giving dual instruction. But I have decided that I will wait to fly, until we get the all-clear from medical experts.

I'm uncertain what to do to keep my Rotax 912 ULS-equipped RV-12 in good shape until I can fly it again. The NBAA advised pilots who are not flying to "exercise" their planes, and I interpreted "exercise" to mean doing a run-up periodically. However, I've also read and been told that running up an engine without flying it can do more harm than good.

My plane is in a hangar. The fuel tank is full. The oil has just been changed. And the battery is connected to a trickle charger. If I thought I wasn't going to be able to fly again for several months, I know there is more that could be done, but not things that I am equipped to do myself. So my question boils down to this: should I do a runup every week or so, or should I leave well enough alone so as not to cause damage where none now exits?

Jpm757 04-12-2020 01:24 PM

I would think flying your RV IS an "essential" activity. Took my wife down the Hudson VFR corridor today. Didn't see one other plane.

bkervaski 04-12-2020 01:27 PM

Maintaining currency essential .. go fly .. just stay away from people or mask up!

I've been practicing approaches, the only human interaction I have is with the fuel truck and we both have masks, gloves, and I have a bottle of alcohol mixed with water for cleanup afterwards. Also, staying upwind doesn't hurt :p

NinerBikes 04-12-2020 01:35 PM

Jump in that bird, do the run up, and take a flight to KCMR or KSZP, buy some fresh fuel, and fly back home.

1x a week when the weather cooperates helps.

Here's where we flew yesterday.

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/...1%20-119.00169

back home. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/...20200411/2032Z
There were a LOT of very nicely painted RV's in the EAA Chapter building in Bakersfield. Some of the best "show car" quality paint jobs I've ever seen, design wise, and color wise, on the planes there. Someone nearby is an outstanding artist.

What we saw.


https://youtu.be/f6_m7cdjdDg


Flying is practicing the ultimate in social distancing. You're almost never closer than 6 feet from anyone.

I am also almost dead certain I'm one of the "herd" that survived getting the Corona Virus head on in the middle of January, so my system can handle exposure. If you got sick with it, you probably noted how remarkably different your illness was to anything else you've ever gotten sick with. I'll probably take the test when it becomes available, to answer, without a doubt whether I am not already cleared of this as a health exposure problem.

scrollF4 04-12-2020 01:38 PM

X3. As a pilot, you maintaining your currency, qualifications, and competence represents an essential transportation task.

rockwoodrv9 04-12-2020 01:58 PM

Since you said that for you, it means no flying, I respect that decision. It sounds like you have done about everything you can do to protect your plane for a month or so. Hopefully that will be as long as this goes.

I can't comment on the trickle charger not knowing what battery you have. Some say yes, some say no. With the P680 I have experience with, I would leave it off the charger until I was ready to fly again.

Good luck with this virus and spend time with your POH, manuals, and researching where you will be flying when you get the chance to again!

PilotjohnS 04-12-2020 02:10 PM

Let me help
 
Let me help. Drop off the keys a d airport gate card and I will fly it often.

SPX 04-12-2020 02:24 PM

Not running a motor, especially one stored on the coast, is not a good thing. I respect your decision not to fly, but I?d suggest following whatever Rotax engine storage procedure there may be, after whatever time Rotax says to do it.

BlndRvtr 04-12-2020 04:50 PM

As long you have avgas in it, there should be little issue with it sitting for 30 days or so. Yes ground runs are more harmful than good. Fresh oil is good also, don't contaminate it with ground runs.

George

PaulvS 04-12-2020 05:09 PM

Tires and cockpit
 
Check tires are pumped up to correct pressure and clear the cockpit of anything that could cause mustiness while it is closed up, e.g. water bottles, cleaning rags, candy bars. It will be better for external surfaces also if it is clean of bugs, salt and grime.


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