Is Aircraft Hangar Storage Really a Safe and Secure Asset Protection Solution?
Exploring Long-term Investment Protection Strategies
Harsh Environmental Conditions
Aircraft hangars are responsible for and critical to protecting valuable aviation assets, such as airplanes, helicopters, and drones, across various climates found throughout the nation. Regardless of the region, airplane hangars serve as protective and shielding structures, insulating airplanes from otherwise harsh environmental conditions that can damage aircraft and disrupt routine operations. For example, in the colder climates, as is common in the northern U.S., hangars protect aircraft from extreme freezing temperatures, ice, wind, and snow.
Aerodynamic Functionality
Cold weather typically damages aircraft systems, electronics, avionics, and flight control surfaces, while ice accumulation often impacts aerodynamic performance, posing flight safety risks. Hangars ensure that aircraft are shielded from the freezing elements, facilitating maintenance and repair work inside a more controlled environment, negating the need for de-icing, and minimizing weather-related departure delays.
Fuel and Engine Systems
In hot, arid, and dry regions, like the southwestern U.S., hangars effectively insulate aircraft from intense and damaging sunlight. This can lead to overheating, fading of paint, and degradation of aircraft components, which are often made of rubber and plastic. Additionally, extremely hot temperatures affect an aircraft’s fuel and engine systems. Hangars are a “safe space” that serves to maintain operational integrity and flight readiness.
Adequate Shielding
Further, around the coastal regions where humidity, salt, and rain are abundant, as is the case in the southeastern U.S., these buildings protect valuable aviation assets from highly corrosive elements, including intense humidity and moisture. Aircraft that are exposed to the elements without adequate shielding are at higher risk of rust and system damage. An eclosed indoor structure helps to preserve an aircraft’s airframe, engine and avionics integrity by providing a dry, clean and temperature-controlled ecosystem.
Getting It Right in Terms of Size
Choosing the right size structure in terms of these specialized buildings is crucial for gaining maximum protective benefit and for the best aircraft maintenance, storage, and operational results. One that is too small can limit movement and hinder the ability to perform essential maintenance and repair tasks, leading to delays and safety concerns. Conversely, an excessively large hangar wastes money and resources, leading to increased operational costs and higher energy consumption, creating increased financial burden.
Auxiliary Equipment
When determining the most appropriate hangar size, factor in the type and number of aircraft to be stored. The frequency and level of maintenance performed and servicing are important, too. The added space required for auxiliary equipment, tools, and personnel should be addressed as well.
Balanced Operational Efficiency
A hangar should include adequate interior airflow, bright lighting, and full clearance for easy aircraft movement and potential emergency response. Additionally, future expansion plans, local zoning laws, and budget constraints will define the best structure size. A well-designed hangar balances operational efficiency with cost-effectiveness, ensuring aircraft are safely stored and properly maintained.
Prepping for the Hangar
To correctly prepare an aircraft for short- or long-term hangar storage, begin by cleaning the exterior to remove any dirt, debris, and contaminants that have the potential to damage the fuselage and flight control surfaces. Carefully inspect the entire aircraft for any damage or maintenance issues. For longer duration storage, drain the fuel tanks to prevent corrosion and compromised fuel quality, while also securing fuel system components to avoid leaks.
Check Tire Inflation
Disconnect battery leads to avoid electrical power depletion. Cover and protect delicate sensing instruments and areas, such as the pitot tubes, static systems, and engines, by shielding them with the appropriate covers. Check tire inflation and bring levels up to the recommended pressure. Always ensure that the aircraft is properly chocked, tied down, or secured to prevent unwanted movement. Finally, ensure that there is adequate ventilation inside the hangar to prevent moisture buildup. Note that dehumidifiers are very useful for keeping the indoor climate stable, particularly in humid regions.
Proper Aircraft Positioning
Center the aircraft within the hangar in the most beneficial way. This will greatly reduce the risk of accidental impacts, bumps, and scrapes. If it is a shared space, ensure that other hangar occupants follow all agreed upon precautionary rules and guidelines. Again, where appropriate, install chocks on both main wheels as well as the nose wheel when warranted. Chocking prevents an aircraft from accidentally moving unexpectedly. For added unwanted movement protection, engage the parking brake and verify it is indeed engaged and functioning.
Perform Regular Inspections
Even while in storage, preforming regular inspections is key to total long-term aircraft protection. Look for any signs of damage, degradation, and negative environmental impact.
Inspect for leaks, rust, or any indication of wear. Monthly inspections are always a good idea and can prevent long-term damage. Use this time to cycle and test aircraft and avionics systems where appropriate. This helps to keep systems in good working order.
Logbook and Documentation Organization
Protect logbooks and documentation by storing in a secure, dry location. Moisture and heat can have a damaging effect on paper-based records. Digital backups are strongly recommended and encouraged to safeguard vital aircraft information. In fact, in today’s modern digital world, it is not uncommon to see most aircraft records stored on an iPad, for example. If this is the preferred method, ensure that all digital devices are properly maintained and secured.
Fire Safety and Security
A hangar must always be equipped with the right kind of aviation grade fire extinguishers. Make certain they are easily accessible and regularly maintained and inspected. Fire suppression systems offer added safety and are being used more frequently in hangars today.
CCTV Cameras
Hangar security is an important factor in protecting aviation assets. Restricted access to the building will prevent unauthorized access. Surveillance CCTV cameras and perimeter and interior alarms provide an extra layer of security protection. Bright and bold lighting inside and outside a hangar deters intruders. Motion-activated lights are another highly effective security solution.
Ready to Fly Again
When preparing to take an aircraft out of storage to fly again, there are some things to consider. For example, it is essential to perform a comprehensive pre-flight inspection. Make certain that all systems are working and operational. Reconnect battery leads and check charge levels. Perform an engine run-up to confirm that the engine is healthy and delivering full rated thrust or horsepower output. Look for any leaks or powerplant abnormalities during this critical testing. Update necessary logbook documentation and ensure logbooks are notated with any maintenance completed during or following storage. One critical item that should always be checked is that the emergency oxygen supply valves are open and that the oxygen cylinders are full.
The Final Analysis
Aircraft hangar storage delivers significant cost savings for aircraft owners and operators. Storing expensive aviation assets in a hangar helps protect airplanes and equipment from harsh and extreme temperatures, rain, snow, and UV damage. This greatly reduces the need for repairs and maintenance while also limiting general wear and tear, lowering repair costs, and prolonging aircraft lifespan.
Additionally, hangar storage reduces the threat of theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access, potentially saving aircraft owners money on insurance premiums and reducing the likelihood of costly asset damage or loss.
Over the long term, hangar storage will significantly reduce maintenance costs. Remember that exposure to environmental elements typically accelerates corrosion, paint fading, and other forms of deterioration. By storing an aircraft inside a hangar, owners save money on repairs due to prolonged exposure to the elements. Note that when an aircraft is stored in a protective environment, it will maintain a higher resale value thanks to better asset condition, nicer appearance, and reduced wear.
At the end of the day, while hangars for airplanes do present an upfront cost, the long-range benefits of less maintenance, lower insurance premiums, and higher resale values result in substantial savings for businesses, aircraft owners, and operators.