Preventing Hangar Rash by Conducting Safe Aircraft Operations inside a Hangar
Hangar Safety in the Mountain States
A Rash by Any Other Name
What in the world is hangar rash? This is a fair question, especially if you are a pilot or aircraft owner that routinely stores an aircraft within the confines of an aircraft hangar. The aviation term “Hangar Rash” refers to minor hangar related incidents that cause some level of damage to an aircraft. It typically happens because of poor decision making or improper ground handling while operating inside a hangar, near other aircraft, or in proximity to stationary objects on the ground. It is a real concern today with overall experience levels in aviation dropping as older aviation professionals retire.
Safe Ground Handling Skills and Practices
Many factors must be considered, from colliding with another aircraft or object to damage resulting from dropped tools and towbar-induced damage. There are a host of ways to reduce occurrences of hangar rash. For example, providing proper ground handling training for crews and mechanics that teaches safe ground handling skills and practices is an excellent start. Establishing clearly defined safety procedures for towing and pushing of aircraft that includes the use of proper equipment and approved techniques is vital.
Greatly Minimize the Risk of Accidental Aircraft Damage
Perhaps most essential of all is to always maintain a clean and well-organized hangar environment. This will greatly minimize the risk of accidental aircraft damage. Even more important is the fact that a clean and organized hangar space simply reduces injuries and accidents. As a note, perhaps one of the most vulnerable surfaces of any hangar stored aircraft is the vertical stabilizer. Maneuvering in and out of a hangar requires special attention to avoid any damage to the tail surface. Wing tips are equally at risk entering or exiting a hangar. Proper training will save the day by preventing hangar rash.
Pilots and Ground Crews
If we consider how many airplanes are moved in and out of hangars across the country each day, it is no wonder that aircraft damage-related incidents are so common. Pilots and ground crews should always move aircraft while inside and around hangars in a slow and deliberate fashion. Slow movement is really the key to preventing damage. Never be in a rush when powering or towing an aircraft to or from hangar storage. Having strict policies and procedures in place for moving and storing aircraft is essential.
Clear of Any Debris
Ground personnel should always wear and use appropriate safety gear, such as visibility vests, hearing protection, gloves, and safety glasses. It is equally important to ensure that the area surrounding the aircraft is clear of debris and obstructions, such as tools or equipment and personnel. Good pilot training demands that crews always fully inspect an aircraft before and after each flight to ensure that there is no damage. Close inspection of hangar floors and surroundings for hazards is also important.
Collisions With Fixed Objects
Virtually all airplane hangars are connected directly to a ramp area. When aircraft are transiting the ramp from or to the hangar, there is considerable risk of collision with other aircraft, equipment, or ground personnel. Aircraft can easily be damaged by collisions with fixed objects, such as hangar doors or support pillars. Proper ground crew two-way communication and coordination between ground personnel and pilots helps to greatly reduce these types of incidents. This, along with adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), prevents incidents, accidents, and injury.
Sensors and Alarms
Maneuvering safely in tight, confined spaces is the order of the day in today’s world of overcrowded aviation facilities. Fortunately, there are a variety of modern sensors and alarms that can help to prevent hangar rash. These systems are designed to alert pilots when they are in danger of impacting an object, other aircraft, or even a hangar wall. Some sensors are now using advanced technology, such as highly accurate lasers, to detect objects and other hazards in an aircraft’s path. Software solutions incorporating virtual guidance systems and cameras are also becoming more common. These technologies assist with navigating tight spaces and avoiding obstacles while moving an aircraft.
Propeller Safety
One of the main differences between aircraft and other powered vehicles is the presence of propellers or jet engines. Always refrain from walking inside the arc of an aircraft propeller, even if it is thought that the power is disconnected and magneto switches are turned off. Anytime a magneto ground wire is defective or broken, slight movement to the propeller can result in it suddenly rotating into action, injuring people, or damaging property. Jet engines are equally as dangerous, with many cases reported of people being sucked into the intake of an operating engine. Exercise extreme caution around running jet engines, even when at idle.
Hangar Floor Hazards
Hangar floor space can be a minefield of tripping and falling hazards, including electrical wires, air hoses, and floor grates. The best option is to use overhead retractable electrical cords and similar air hoses. Hangar floors must be kept free of rags, tools, other obstructive items, and debris that could potentially be ingested into an engine or propeller or thrown into the air by prop wash when starting an engine.
When Working Around an Aircraft
Skin abrasions are common when working near aircraft or when carrying equipment or rolling carts in what is usually a crowded space. Working on an engine or inside of an engine cowl can be hazardous, too. Remove jewelry, small tools, and other items from all pockets. These are all things that may end up in cylinder fins and intake areas of an engine. Jewelry is particularly concerning as a ring or necklace that becomes entangled in a moving aircraft component can result in serious injury or loss of life.
Operating Aircraft Switches and Controls
Exercise caution and restraint when activating switches in the cockpit anytime a plane is parked in a hangar. For example, a flap control and a landing gear lever may look the same. One simply extends the flaps for inspection, while the other could quickly collapse the aircraft onto its belly, causing untold damage and expense. Always reconfirm the markings of switches and controls before actuating either.
First Aid Kits and Smoking
An approved first aid kit and a fire extinguisher should be standard equipment and within easy reach in any hangar. Take the time to learn how to properly use this type of equipment. Smoking of any kind, including vaping, must never be permitted inside an airplane hangar under any circumstances. Combustible vapors are often emitted from fuel tanks and batteries that are on a trickle charge. In addition, cleaning chemicals and other liquids used in aircraft servicing can be extremely flammable.
More on Hangar Floors
Perimeter floor markings help to show the limits of aircraft placement near objects and hangar walls. It is best to use floor markings to help personnel and crews better visualize boundaries when parking and moving aircraft. Hangar floor markings are frequently used to identify aircraft routing for safe entry and exit. They are also used to delineate safety lanes, pedestrian walkways, storage areas, and even fire lanes. While applied tape is a good option, epoxy painted lines are far better and will last much longer.
The Latest Statistics
Aviation safety continues to be a top priority in all aspects of flight operations. In recent years, hangar safety has taken center stage, and its crucial role is to prevent injury and accidents during aircraft storage and maintenance. According to the latest statistics, incidents that happen in hangars make up a significant portion of non-flight-related accidents, including ground collisions, equipment mishandling, and fires. A recent report from the National Safety Council suggests that hangar-related incidents caused a significant number of injuries and property damage, emphasizing the need for improved safety procedures.
Comprehensive Training on Emergency Actions
To reduce inherent risks, experts advise that clear communication among crews, training strict vehicle and equipment handling procedures, and maintaining a clean and organized, clutter-free hangar space is key. In-depth training on emergency actions, including regular fire drills and evacuation exercises, will help to greatly reduce potential hazards. Regular safety audits, combined with a safety-first culture, are integral in preventing hangar-related incidents and accidents and will ultimately promote outstanding levels of aviation safety. If you live in the mountain states or anywhere else, reducing aviation hazards and risks benefits both ground crews and flight personnel and ensures maximum aircraft integrity.