The Ultimate Quarantine Spring-Cleaning Checklist for Your Hangar

It’s safe to say that springtime is finally upon us. Even though things are drastically different this year, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do around your hangar. For many, this lockdown period has left us with more time on our hands than we’ve ever had—time we never even thought we would have. What’s better than tackling those small housekeeping projects you’ve been meaning to do in your hangar?

With the coronavirus outbreak, priority number one is staying healthy and keeping your distance from other people. Might as well socially distance in the comforting presence of your aircraft in your beloved man cave or hangar!

Here’s a handy checklist for you as you tackle a host of hangar projects:

1. Start by making sure you have the necessary supplies in your hangar. It sounds simple enough, but ensuring you are fully stocked so that you can tackle this hangar spring-cleaning project is critical. Here are a few hangar supplies we suggest:

• A broom and dustpan
• Cleaning supplies, including the necessary disinfectants and aviation-specific cleaners, like an aluminum-safe cleaner such as Extreme Simple-Green.
• Large trash bags
• A vacuum
• Oil mops, in case of oil spillage during cleaning. We recommend the UltraTech oil mop for easier cleanup.

1. Keep the floors clear. Hangar housekeeping presents a serious tripping hazard if there are electrical cords, tools, hoses, and more all over your hangar floor. Make sure that the pathways are kept clear around the hangar for easy, safe movement during your housekeeping efforts.
2. Begin in your storage area and remove anything that has expired, such as chemicals. Remove or store waste material and oily rags in approved closed-metal containers. Secure and identify compressed gas cylinders. Take the time to neatly arrange your cables, tools, and other storage items. Take an inventory of mechanics and tools, and note the things you may need to order. Lastly, wipe down any surfaces that may not have seen a cleaning product in quite some time.
3. Fire safety is paramount. Areas around electrical work should be kept clean and clear at all times, and all flammable substances and debris must be kept clear of the hangar. Also, be sure to regularly check your electrical equipment for any wear and tear that may compromise its safety. Make certain that fire extinguishers are mounted properly and not blocked or obscured in any way. Also, as a friendly reminder, fire extinguishers must be serviced every six years and inspected annually.
4. Check your hangar doors. Your hangar doors need to be able to open and close smoothly, as well as securely hold the hangar closed in rough weather, so maintaining your doors is vital. Rust, electric malfunctions, and mechanical problems can plague hangar doors, causing them to stick and become a safety hazard for anyone around them. Contact a professional maintenance and repair service if you see any issues. And, in case you need to contact a repair service, by utilizing HangarBot’s door controller, you can enjoy the convenience of controlling or automating hangar access to maintenance staff from anywhere in the world on your phone. No to mention, people won’t have to touch the buttons by incorporating this product on your hangar door, which everyone can appreciate during these unprecedented times.
5. Review important safety procedures. All aircraft hangars must have an emergency evacuation plan in place and be practiced regularly. Now would be an ideal time to go over the plan to ensure you are prepared in case of an emergency.

Now might also be a good time to consider adding video surveillance to your aircraft hangar. Incorporating surveillance in your aircraft hangar can accomplish two important goals. First, if potential intruders are aware that you can review security footage remotely with the HangarBot Hub, they may be deterred from perpetrating a criminal act. The hub comes with a built-in camera for day or night with live-streaming video and automatic photo capture. When motion is detected, you receive an immediate notification, which could potentially stop the crime as it is happening. Second, if the perpetrator is not caught in the act, the footage will provide valuable evidence to help identify the suspect and, perhaps, recoup your losses. This product will give you peace of mind when you are away from your hangar.

1. Clean and inspect the aircraft. Last but certainly not least, utilize this time to get your aircraft ready for the summer. Whether you’ve stored it in your hangar or flown it throughout winter, your aircraft may be in desperate need of a thorough cleaning.

Begin by taking a walk around the airplane, looking for signs of corrosion, cracks, bird nests, and condensation. Stand back to get a big picture of the exterior, and then do an up-close inspection.

Next, check out the interior. Start the aircraft-detailing process by clearing out old documents, batteries, flashlights, pens, and all those other extraneous items stuffed in the glove compartment and cargo holds. It’s best to start working from a clutter-free space.

Then, make sure the battery is fully charged. Check the oil and inspect the state of the engine. Look for leaks, damage, cracks, and fraying—anything that could lead to a bigger problem during a flight.

Finally, wash your aircraft. It is one of the most essential tasks, and you should do it a few times a year, depending on how much you fly. It is essential for preventing corrosion, and a clean airplane just feels better to fly.

Hopefully, these tips will help you finally complete those important hangar projects you have been putting off. Aside from presenting yourself as neat and responsible, a well-maintained hangar ensures safety for you, your neighbors, and your plane.