Attach and seal antennas early?

[CharlieWaffles]

I'm building my fuselage and adding two comant bent whips under the passenger seats. I am following the Bob Knuckles recommendation and not using the cork gasket. Instead he recommends sealing the antenna around the base when it's attached. Is there any reason NOT to seal them on at this time? Do antennas usually come off at some point? Painting? Gear assembly??

[jbagley]

Took mine off for painting, though I'm not sure it's needed. In any case, I wouldn't attach the antennas until very near flying. At least not permanently. I think they would be in the way.

[flion]

I agree with James. I have a couple of antennae attached and they were a concern as we moved the fuselage around, but I could have removed them if necessary. I'm definitely planning to remove them for paint as the manufacturer states that painting them should not be done - though others have painted theirs with no ill effects. Installing and sealing them is an easy last-minute thing to do as you run through your punch list of items before your first flight and may even give you something to do on a day when you're waiting for paperwork or parts for another part of the project.

[rzbill]

While I was too lazy to take tham back off, I have bitched at them multiple times for being in the way while flopping around on the floor doing gear fairing glass work.