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I would like to store a Cessna outside for a period of time, close to six months. The temperature here will not exceed 30°C and will not go below 0°C.

With tie downs and a tarp, how long can I store a Cessna outside for in these conditions? Should I invest in a shed of some sort? I would prefer a specific period of time please.

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    $\begingroup$ Are you able to go out and start it a couple times a month? Is there a local FBO that can check on it? Maybe a pilot friend can run it around the patch every month or so? Is it flyable? $\endgroup$
    – Ron Beyer
    Commented Jun 6, 2017 at 1:58
  • $\begingroup$ Surely there are more factors than just temperature. Things like humidity (mold), precipitation, insects (wasps), reptiles (snakes), small (mouse) and large (bear) mammals? $\endgroup$
    – Greg Hewgill
    Commented Jun 6, 2017 at 2:00
  • $\begingroup$ @RonBeyer, yes, pilot mate can start it when needed. Yes it is flyable. $\endgroup$
    – Woodman
    Commented Jun 6, 2017 at 2:03
  • $\begingroup$ I am not a real pilot, but from flight simulation I know, that after a month without operation, the oil get's black and it acts like an acid. So, be sure to remove the oil if you don't want a corroded plane. $\endgroup$
    – Noah Krasser
    Commented Jun 6, 2017 at 6:33
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    $\begingroup$ @NoahKrasser That is false, you don't want to store an aircraft (or aircraft engine) without oil in it. Oil just doesn't break down that fast, and I'm not sure I've ever heard of it "acting like an acid". $\endgroup$
    – Ron Beyer
    Commented Jun 6, 2017 at 11:24

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Are you in a wet or coastal environment? You can store a "Cessna type" plane outside for a few months and be ok. Most flight school planes live outside for years and do just fine.

Don't use a tarp. You might damage antennas, windows, or paint. Custom fitted covers are good but they're also expensive.

Don't just start the plane and let it idle. That hurts the engine more than it helps. To do any good, the engine must reach and sustain normal operating temperature until the moisture boils off. A quick flight can accomplish this.

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