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My factory pod does not have a gasket between the upper edge of the pod and the aircraft belly, but it should. The mating edge is "sealed" with silicone caulk but this deteriorates with time, weather, vibration and wear. It is this mating edge which is the major source of water infiltration when the aircraft is left sitting in a downpour as the water runs down the sides and with no drip edge to intervene, it continues along the curvature till it intersects the pod rim. If one maintains the edge seal, the pod is reasonably water resistant but not waterproof. The access door also does not have a gasket and is a secondary infiltration point. Floor pan drain holes remove any significant accumulation. Significant, as in gallons not teaspoons. In flight the slipstream removes any water adhering to the skin, forcing it aft rather than allowing the gravitational sheet flow previously described. The cargo pod is great for lawn chairs & camping gear, tie-downs & chocks, tools & spare parts and similar assets but not the place for your finest leather luggage unless you think water stains, exhaust stains, engine & hydraulic oil stains, all add a chic patina and aroma.
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