dirty bird

Is there a washing station on your field? Ask the FBO. If it's like
ours, it's just a hose. Bring your own bucket, soap, etc. I know what
you mean about the dirt. It's amazing. I was using a kennon cover made
out of sunbrella. That thing really showed the dirt. I would still
recommend a quality cover. It really protects the plexiglass.

One other thing, clean your windows or at least your windshield after
every flight. Some recommend pledge. I use Meguires plexi cleaner
with a flannel cloth. Always move the cloth vertically up and down the
windshield. Never in circles. It just seems like those little bugs are
easier to clean after landing than a couple of days later.

Isn't great having your own plane? I've flown more in the past year
that I thought I would and I plan to fly more this year. I was planning
on going out today but 40MPH gust are beyond my comfort level.

Dave
68 7ECA

The Weiss Family wrote:

A question for those of you who tie down:

I flew just a couple days ago, then went out to the airport today. I was
APALLED at how dirty my plane got!
We had a little rain, and there's been frost in the morning, but I still
couldn't believe how dirty she was.

Does anyone have a good method for washing their plane out on the tarmac?
Is it even possible?
I was thinking of bringing gallon jugs of water out.

I'm interested to hear your solutions.

Thanks,

Adam
N7966L
Beech Super III

Is there a washing station on your field? Ask the FBO. If it's like
ours, it's just a hose. Bring your own bucket, soap, etc. I know what
you mean about the dirt. It's amazing. I was using a kennon cover made
out of sunbrella. That thing really showed the dirt. I would still
recommend a quality cover. It really protects the plexiglass.

One other thing, clean your windows or at least your windshield after
every flight. Some recommend pledge. I use Meguires plexi cleaner with
a flannel cloth. Always move the cloth vertically up and down the
windshield. Never in circles. It just seems like those little bugs are
easier to clean after landing than a couple of days later.

Isn't great having your own plane? I've flown more in the past year that
I thought I would and I plan to fly more this year. I was planning on
going out today but 40MPH gust are beyond my comfort level.

Dave
68 7ECA


Dave,

Thanks for the info. I'll check and see if there is a washing station.
I've been using Lemon Pledge on the windshield (but I've been going in
circles).
I'll be sure to go up and down from now on.

Owning IS great! I've been flying whenever I can.

Thanks again,

Adam
N7966L
Beech Super III

I second the recommendation on the cover. I kept my Arrow at Chicago
Midway for a couple of years and used a full set of covers from
Kennon. The covers got filthy but I only had to wash the airplane a
couple of times a year.

To wash it, I asked the FBO where I bought my fuel (Million Air in
this case) if I could park in front of the hangar and use their hose.
They were totally cooperative.

At Gary Airport, where I now have it hangared, the FBO lets me put the
plane inside their hangar and use their brushes and cleaning solution.

PaulH wrote:

At Gary Airport, where I now have it hangared, the FBO lets me put the
plane inside their hangar and use their brushes and cleaning solution.

My home field has was stations set up for the benefit of based aircraft
and transients. However, 9/11 shutdown the transient traffic.

Back when we were based at Dulles (and when the FBO was still locally owned
they let Margy wash the plane in the hangar). A few days later I went to
take it down to the instrument shop and I can't find the darn thing. Take
a peek in the hangar and sure enough it's sitting there proudly between
a G-III and a Hawker. The line guys decided it was so clean and shiny that
they'd keep it in until they needed the space for something else.