Pilatus B4 and corrosion

[Mika Koski]

Hi,

does anybody know annything about Pilatus B4 having issues with
corrosion? I heard that parts of the plane are somehow corrosion
protected, but does it work even today when most of the B4s are 30
years old with 3000 hours or so? Google does not give much information
about it, so does this mean that the corrosion problem does not exist?

I have already heard that some clubs do keep their Pilatus' mostly
outside i.e not in a hangar. What is the impact of this to the glider
and what planes maintenance manual says about it and corrosion?

Regards,

Mika Koski

[Edward Lockhart]

Mika,

My 32 year old, 2000 hour (most of that in Finland, a few years in Sweden)
B4 is still in good condition. It spends 7 months outside and the winter in
a non-weatherproof, canvas covered trailer.

The repair manual has a section on corrosion protection detailing the
various methods used during manufacture. It also lists different types of
corrosion, their causes and symptoms as well as how to repair affected
areas.

There are plenty of old Cessnas still flying. I think that looking after the
paint, a good annual inspection and careful pre-flight inspections will pick
up any problems early and keep my glider flying for many years.

More information, manuals and spare parts available from:
http://www.ewms.ch/

Edward.