Owning an RV-6/6A without a hangar

[Radioflyer]

Obviously a hangar would be best for plane storage, but would an RV-6/6A be Practical to operate off a tie-down in New England? Would it do as well as a typical Cessna or Piper on a tie-down? Of course, it would be protected by a cover, but are there any known water leaks or traps in the airframe? Would it make a difference if it was a -6 vs a -6A?

[Ralph Inkster]

Maybe Vlad can shed some light.

[pa38112]

Slider or tip-up? The sliders can leak at the front of the canopy because the canopy slants forward at the intersection with the wind screen. Mine drips there, but my son's does not. His has a rubber weather-stripping seal, mine does not. It all depends on how that interface is fabricated. None seem to be the same.
A cover does not seem to help because the water still wicks through, even if you apply waterproofing spray.
Other than that, it will weather outside just like a Piper or Cessna.

[WingsOnWheels]

I would make sure that the fuselage has drain holes to eliminate moisture. They aren't in the plans, up to the builder.

[Radioflyer]

Oh, good thought. I knew that tip-ups could introduce water As they're opened. I didn't realize it might just leak, but as you say it depends on how well the seal is fabricated.
Sounds like a good idea to fashion some weep holes.
Yeah, most covers I've used have been more or less permeable. I think the solution there is to use a plastic over-cover if it can be well fitted and fastened.

Originally Posted by pa38112

Slider or tip-up? The sliders can leak at the front of the canopy because the canopy slants forward at the intersection with the wind screen. Mine drips there, but my son's does not. His has a rubber weather-stripping seal, mine does not. It all depends on how that interface is fabricated. None seem to be the same.
A cover does not seem to help because the water still wicks through, even if you apply waterproofing spray.
Other than that, it will weather outside just like a Piper or Cessna.

[Snowflake]

-6 or -6A matters too... A -6 Slider will leak less than a -6 Tip-Up, and a -6A Tip-Up will leak less than a -6A Slider, due to the change in attitude on the ground.

For either, maybe a strip of the vinyl that people stick temporary designs up with (no adhesive, just a really smooth surface on one side that likes to stick) would be a good idea. Just get one 6" wide or something like that, and lay it over the canopy opening when you park. Then put your normal canopy cover over top of that to make sure the wind doesn't lift the vinyl.

[rich]

Make sure there?s a drain hole in the lower fiberglass rudder bottom.
Mine filled up after 3 days of rain. Could freeze at altitude causing rudder imbalance/flutter.

[Dean Pichon]

My observation in New England (Fitchburg), is that the planes in hangers last longer/better because they are flown more regularly. This morning I flew my -4. The only folks I saw flying were guys in hangers. Most of the planes outside were still covered with snow.

When I kept my Citabria outside, it was much "harder" to make the effort to keep it shoveled out, deal with pre-heat, etc. As a result, I flew less in the winter - despite the beautiful days like today.

If you keep it outside, but fly it at least weekly, it will probably be fine. (I'll let others weigh in on whether or not it needs to be primed.)

Good luck,

Dean

[mbauer]

Originally Posted by Radioflyer

Oh, good thought. I knew that tip-ups could introduce water As they're opened. I didn't realize it might just leak, but as you say it depends on how well the seal is fabricated.
Sounds like a good idea to fashion some weep holes.
Yeah, most covers I've used have been more or less permeable. I think the solution there is to use a plastic over-cover if it can be well fitted and fastened.

Plastic might attract dirt. Wind blows and rubbing back and forth on the canopy will scratch it.

I have an Aero Covers on my RV6 from Aero Covers located in Canada. Cheaper and made better than Bruce's, total customer support if you have any issues. Just add a www and com to get their website.

Oh, my RV6 is parked outside here in Alaska, hanger rent is minimum $1000 a month in Kenai.

Best regards,
Mike Bauer

[rvmv]

I have a 9A parked outside and it's not bad at all. Things I did:
I poured water into the rear fuselage and drilled a drainhole wherever it collected. The lowest point is below the seats.
I fabricated a cover that extends from forward of the firewall to well aft of the tip up rear window. The cockpit stays dry.
I use packing foam to plug the cowling openings.
I use corrosion-X or similar monthly on the explosed control surface hinges.
I use the antisplat gust lock supplemented by an additional aileron gust lock.
I bought a portable light weight generator to run power tools.
My airport is very tolerant of working on the plane on the ramp. I'd recommend talking with them about it to find out what they will allow you to do. I started final assembly outside and was progressing OK but lucked out when someone lent me his hangar for a few months to get finished.
My plane was painted before it went to the airport.