keeping an airplane dry in a damp climate

[Capt1124]

Any ideas on how to keep an airplane dry in a damp climate? The plane is hangared but still accumulates a lot of moisture.

I have thought about putting a dehumidifier in it but I don't know how much that would help.

 

[81Horse]

Welll. Back in the day, in Western Washington, we used to run a drop cord to the plane, and put a trouble-light in there. Just enough heat to dry out the atmosphere inside the plane. You'd probably need more than one light, depending on your cabin volume.

The thing is, you want to know the light fixture itself won't get overly hot; and it needs to be in a safe place inside the plane.

There's also that silica gel stuff; you can buy that in packets at Home Depot. It helps some.

A dehumidifier would probably do a great job, but you'd need to empty the water collection tray on it regularly.

 

[SpaceBall 1]

Hey Capt,

I managed a Westwind for 5 years on the gulf coast (JKA and 4R4). We never had much problem with moisture inside of the jet. We flew 3 to 4 times a week which should be enought to dry anything out. If the jet was to sit for long periods, maybe 2 months at a guess, you may start to get a musty smell in the cabin. We just had the jet in a community hangar with the door close all of the time, but never had any problems.

I worried more about the moisture on the airframe than inside. CORROSION! Never any problems with that either. We washed the jet at least every other week and I kept stuff lubed up. Nothing like grease to displace water.

If I had the option down there I would want a climate controlled hanger. Good for the jet and the people working on it. If you put a dehumidifier inside the jet, how is it powered? If you use an extension cord, so you leave the door open? If so, it will never get dry and I personally would not want to shut the door on the cord. Not very good for the seals and if a Westwind is your ride, then the cabin door usually dosen't need any help developing new leaks!

Hope this helps

Take care

 

[SabreFlyR]

There's also that silica gel stuff; you can buy that in packets at Home Depot. It helps some..

Wal Mart has the same thing that is made on a hanger. We're based on the Gulf coast and the little water bag fills up within 2 weeks, just throw it away and hang up a new one.