Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Does the frame get wet?

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Member stroutmail's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    New Freedom, PA
    Posts
    74

    Default Does the frame get wet?

    Curious whether a cub with floats gets wet enough that frame under covering should be checked for rust more often?

    10 year old cub with rust?

  2. #2
    Senior Member Mark Keneston's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Location
    Saratoga Springs, NY
    Posts
    462

    Default Re: Does the frame get wet?

    Quote Originally Posted by stroutmail View Post
    Curious whether a cub with floats gets wet enough that frame under covering should be checked for rust more often?

    10 year old cub with rust?
    All tube and fabric aircraft should be checked or rust corrosion. Moisture accumulates and more if it lives outside, more still if its on floats. Just do a thorough inspection or find a knowledgeable party to do it. Does it have seaplane drain grommets in the wings, tail and fuselage belly? It should. Thanks Mark
    Cub Crafters
    Factory Direct New & Used Aircraft Sales
    NorthEast & Great Lakes Region
    518.410.9404

  3. #3
    Junior Member Helenawe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Location
    Indianapolis 151230
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Does the frame get wet?

    The steel tube members of an aircraft equipped with floats should be given par*ticularly close ~xamination.

    It is possible for water to enter the interior of these members, allowing rust to form on the inside of the tubes while the exterior appears to be in good condi*tion. The best way to check for this condition is to have small holes strategically drilled in the tubing.

    If water is present, it will run from the holes. It is sometimes desirable to have small pieces cut from critical tube mem*bers in order to obtain positive knowledge of the condition of the tube interiors.

  4. #4
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    Kharkiv, Ukraine
    Posts
    10

    Default Re: Does the frame get wet?

    Quote Originally Posted by Helenawe View Post
    The steel tube members of an aircraft equipped with floats should be given par*ticularly close ~xamination.

    It is possible for water to enter the interior of these members, allowing rust to form on the inside of the tubes while the exterior appears to be in good condi*tion. The best way to check for this condition is to have small holes strategically drilled in the tubing.

    If water is present, it will run from the holes. It is sometimes desirable to have small pieces cut from critical tube mem*bers in order to obtain positive knowledge of the condition of the tube interiors.
    Thanks so much for the tip to drill small holes - very easy and effective!

  5. #5
    Senior Member Mark Keneston's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Location
    Saratoga Springs, NY
    Posts
    462

    Default Re: Does the frame get wet?

    Water does not enter the tubes. The tubes on our planes are sealed. If you drill holes, you destroy the integrity of those tubes making the airframe unairworthy. Those would need to be re welded to be airworthy, not a good plan.

    You should be able through a thorough inspection on the exterior to tell if water has been present and done damage. With drain grommets (that are clear and open) the moisture should escape. Most older Cubs show moisture and or rust at the tail post and lower longerons at the tail post. This is an annual inspection and maintenance item. Our Cubs have a powder coated airframe to help reduce rust. My J3 on floats restored in 2007 has an epoxy primed airframe and last year was the first time I noticed rust on the tail post section. I wire brushed it and primed it.

    Drilling would be a very last resort.
    Cub Crafters
    Factory Direct New & Used Aircraft Sales
    NorthEast & Great Lakes Region
    518.410.9404

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •