Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Checklist
A good aircraft maintenance hangar is a vital component of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) plan. A maintenance hangar is different than that of a line or storage hangar in that its main purpose is to provide adequate space to conduct major repairs on aircraft. This is where maintenance stands, scaffolding, tools, test stands and other equipment are housed. We're discussing the importance of having an aircraft maintenance hangar as well as some of the critical components that make up a safe and productive MRO maintenance facility.
What Is an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar?
A traditional aircraft hangar is used to safely and securely store aircraft. Whereas an aircraft maintenance hangar, used exclusively by MRO facilities, is designed and built with the sole purpose of conducting major aircraft repairs, as opposed to routine aviation maintenance and general servicing.
The inside of an aircraft hangar maintenance facility is usually broad and wide-open, providing ample room for major repairs. These base-level maintenance repairs usually include, but are not limited to:
- - Removal and installation of engines
- - Overhauls of structural components
- - Corrosion prevention
- - Replacement of major components
- - Interior refurbishment
- - Etc.
It's important to note that aircraft maintenance hangars (also known as MRO hangars) won't be found at every regional, national or even international airport. These are expensive facilities catered to conducting heavy, base-level maintenance. This means they have to house the aircraft themselves, scaffolding, maintenance stands, tools and various ground support equipment (GSE), such as an electric tug or an aircraft stabilizer stand.
Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Checklist
Having the right space and equipment is key to creating a successful and productive MRO aircraft hangar. The facility should be designed in a way that enables technicians to do their very best work each and every day. The following are just a few of the components that should be standard in an aircraft maintenance hangar.
Keep in mind, this is a high-level checklist and should not be considered exhaustive. Be sure to consult aircraft manufacturers, hangar engineers and/or building architects to determine everything needed for a new aircraft maintenance hangar.
1. Space
Because base-level maintenance is heavy-duty work, it requires a large space and room to spread out. This allows maintenance teams to maneuver around equipment and the aircraft itself without the fear of knocking something over or causing an accident or injury. When considering the design for an aircraft maintenance hangar, avoid small or tight layouts and think BIG.
2. A Thought-Out Floorplan
An ergonomic layout for an aircraft maintenance hangar is just as important as space in terms of working efficiency. An MRO airplane hangar should be designed with the main goal in mind. Consider the types of aircraft that typically fly in and out of your airport or facility. Are technicians tackling smaller, similar airplanes or a wide range of aircraft models? It's important to take into account all types of aircraft typically worked on, while not overbuilding for aircraft you'll never encounter. A parts hold, supply point, and shipping and receiving dock are also great features to work into an aircraft maintenance hangar. By considering the layout and the equipment needed, an MRO facility can ensure they'll have the best working space possible for safe and efficient repairs.
3. A Solid, Level Foundation
Because aircraft are routinely raised completely off the ground to conduct operation checks and maintenance, an aircraft maintenance hangar's foundation must be solid and level. A quality, level foundation means the weight of the aircraft can be safely and equally supported by aircraft jacks and stabilizer stands.
4. Committed Maintenance Operators
An aircraft maintenance hangar and the GSE housed within it represent a massive investment. In order to get the most out of an MRO airport hangar, you need skilled and committed maintenance operators who will use the space and GSE properly and productively. This can save thousands if not millions of dollars in damage repair and man-hours.
5. The Right Ground Support Equipment
Aircraft hangar maintenance requires many moving pieces, team members and equipment, all working at an incredibly fast pace. This is why you need the right (and best) ground support equipment in place to help the process run smoothly and efficiently on a daily basis. GSE, like aircraft tugs and jacks, are the lifeblood of any good MRO operation. Examples of MRO GSE include, but are not limited to:
Remember, it's crucial to also have adequate storage for a GSE fleet. The MRO airplane hangar should be designed so that necessary GSE is available at a moment's notice and is docked and stowed for service.
A maintenance hangar is crucial to the MRO process as a whole. The overall floorplan and equipment should always match the goal of the organization. A poorly designed maintenance hangar will result in inefficiencies, accidents and potential injuries. But by investing in a quality facility and ground support equipment, MROs will be better equipped to service aircraft and stay ahead of the curve.
Equip Your Aircraft Maintenance Hangar with the Best GSE
Looking to expand your fleet of GSE to better support your aircraft hangar maintenance team? At Tronair, we're proud to offer customers the very best in ground support equipment and customer service. Our selection of airplane tug products and servicing equipment provides you with the precision and productivity you need from an MRO GSE fleet. Have a question about our range of products? Contact us today and we'll help find a solution for your needs.
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