Our club--Mid Georgia Soaring Assn, has had several Blaniks (L-13's) over a
long period of time---- 20yr---. Sometimes we had 2 Blaniks at a time. All
kept outside. Monroe Georgia is near Atlanta---heat, humidity, abundant
rain, drought, abumdant UV.

They are metal, except for the control surfaces which are fabric. We have
twice gone through the control surface recovering exercise. Neither cheap
nor fun.

They have several areas that corrode easily---the trim cables for one point.
They also leak---you can find water in the cockpit and in the rear fuselage.
The drain hole plugs easily with a bit of dirt and you have "travelling"
ballast to make for interesting CG experiences. There is an inspection port
to check for this on preflight.

In short, Blaniks are more delicate than they look. Perhaps a private owner
could take proper care of it and make it work ( Lots of LPS 3 and
ventillated covers for the controls and canopy) but in a club
environment--good luck.

The 2-33's and 1-26's are often left outside, but without constant care,
they too will suffer.

Bottom line---If you are forced into a harsh environment, you must prepare
for a constant battle against the elements---you can win, but it is a lot of
work.

--
Hartley Falbaum
USA---


"Dan G" wrote in message
ps.com...
Imagine a club in a fairly wet (24" rain a year) temperate climate,
which doesn't have a hangar. What gliders and tugs could they use,
which would be able to survive living outside all year round? I'm
thinking both two-seat trainers (Blaniks?) and single-seaters, and
tugs that could operate off a grass strip (I can't think of a tug that
doesn't need a hangar :-s).


Dan