I’ve heard that planes, vehicles, equipment, etc. are not built for long term disuse. What is it about occasional use that may leave for example a plane in better condition than if left in a hangar all year?

Question

I’ve heard that planes, vehicles, equipment, etc. are not built for long term disuse. What is it about occasional use that may leave for example a plane in better condition than if left in a hangar all year?

In: 37

Answer 1

Anything that needs to move should do so on a semi-regular basis to prevent seizing and lockup. The lubricants that will degrade over time and can easily act like the opposite, or can cause additional buildup that prevents proper action. When internal, it can gum up the works or block the lines.
Additionally, debris may get into areas that it shouldn’t, especially during startup.