INTRODUCTION
Bottom rolling with a top guided configuration, Uni-directional, Bi-parting, Individually Operated, 3-way traveling group, and Anchored group systems. Or, they could be Bottom Rolling, Bumper-pick or Cable-reeve opening and closing system. These are variants and systems of doors and shutters associated with the ubiquitous aircraft hangar.
Hangar constructions dotting the airport and airfields the world over may remain non-descript for most part, but they are created essentially to protect ‘million dollar-babies’, parked or under maintenance within, and more. Apart from protecting giant jet liners or a light bi-plane from the harsh elements, they secure assets from damage and destruction as also from unauthorised intrusions.
ABOUT HANGARS
The location, be it a private property or an existing airport, will surely influence the design and construction of a hangar. Details like the geographical location of the hangar under consideration, the size of the plot of land, and even the type of soil will all be considered and factored in.
While a hangar is being planned, the two most important questions that come to mind are – considerations and limitations. Above all, a hangar will need to be designed to fit in with the restrictions of that airport and that of the aviation regulator. For example, many airports mandate the use of specific non-reflective colours that don’t shine into the eyes, and distract incoming pilots.
The dimensions of the land available and the percentage that can be developed by the hangar building, is always stated in the overall airport master plan if being built in the periphery or within a specific airport’s compound. There are height restrictions because of incoming flights or certain boundary limits applied for any upcoming construction.
If there are fire restrictions, then that obligation needs to be fulfilled by using insulated walls, or fire-rated concrete walls. Similarly, waste water handling, storm water drainage, use of acceptable cladding (zinc cladding is often not permitted because of reflective properties), all have to meet with compliances.
Access ways and taxiways must be planned keeping the airport operator’s restrictions in the plan. Approaching an established civil engineer to assist is the best way out, as such a professional would already be aware of the various rules and restrictions prescribed by the local authorities, various regulatory bodies and the airport owner’s in-house plans. Importantly, safety measures have to be incorporated while building such a structure that is in close proximity to the airport.
Other significant design requirements include wind ratings, terrain categories, snowfall depths, amongst others.
The purpose of the hangar will determine the size of the structure – for storage of planes, helicopters or bigger commercial aircraft. Entry, access ways into the hangar, size of opening, other staff entry doors or roller doors need to be incorporated early on in the designing of the building. Temperature control within the hangar and insulation requirements are all factored in based on existing weather in a given location.
Use of extra space inside a hangar can be cleverly eked out for purposes of storage, offices, canteens, workshops or training centres. For example, a small private plane can be accommodated in a hangar of say 400 square feet (37 square meters), while a hangar space for a commercial jetliner may require nearly 50,000 square feet (4,645 square meters).
There are several types of hangar floor plans that can be considered and some examples are appended herein:
Typically, there are 5 types of Aircraft Hangar Floor Plans:
Free Standing Aircraft Hangar
This design is a common one for an aircraft hangar, and best used as private aircraft maintenance hangars, and airport repair facilities. The dimensions can be scaled up or reduced to suit any size, be they for smart aircraft, helicopters or larger jets.
Consecutive Rectangular Hangars
Similar to Individual hangars, these are designed for extra space for additional aircraft, as also equipment storage. Each hangar is placed adjacent to the other and divided by a wall for privacy and security, each with its hangar door. These are best suited for individuals or building hangar space on a budget.
Back -To- Back Hangars
With back-to-back hangars, another set of hangar bays are placed for parking aircraft backing onto one another. Again, more extra space is created in this manner. Again, every hangar bay is separated by privacy walls that provide a secure environment. Back-to-back hangar designs are popular amongst individuals and commercial operators alike.
T Hangars
T type hangars are planned with economical use of space in terms of parking aircraft. T hangars come in 2 variants – Standard (stacked) T Hangars, and Nested T Hangars.
Standard T Hangars
Stacked T hangars are planned for maximum use of interior floor space. Extra space towards the end of the hangars can be used as storage space or offices. Lengthier in dimension when compared to Nested T Hangars, they allow entry access from the front and rear of the hangar bay. A personal door or roller door at the back of the hangar can give better access for entry and exits.
Nested T Hangars
Nested T hangars, less in length when compared to T hangars, require less of a taxiway, and space is culled out from the ends of the hangar for office or storage space or similar. The main hangar door provides access to each of the hangar bays.
Maintenance hangars
Maintenance hangars are constructed in a manner that ample room is available for manoeuvring aircraft and for performing MRO and services. They are the largest and most expensive structures to build and maintain, but they allow operators the advantage of extra space utilisation to store essentials and equipment, and technicians have enough space to move around and work on aircraft efficiently.
The aircraft maintenance hangar and repair facility allow maintenance crew and technicians to toil relentlessly in order to keep a fleet flying safely. Activities include routine inspections of the structure, as well as cleaning and painting of the walls, doors and roof. The aircraft floor carpeting goes through resurfacing or replacement from time to time.
Accident prevention is a critical part of hangar safety, therefore hangar operators take extra precaution to avoid electrical, fire, chemical hazards and other accidents, perilous to both man and machine.
Versatility of an Aircraft Hangar (air chalet)
A hangar home is a living space within an aircraft hangar that is part of the overall hangar design. A mezzanine floor, a clubhouse, commercial warehouse can all go into customised hangar designs, apart from offices, workshops and more.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HANGAR DOORS
Airplane hangars are a major investment, and the effectiveness of the door and entrance systems make the space within secure. Hangar doors are fabricated with solid durable material and efficient safety features. A safe environment provides protection of assets like aircraft and equipment that cost millions of dollars; having one therefore, is fundamental to reliable and safe airline operations. Reliable operations in turn generates passenger confidence, and hence it makes good business sense to allocate sufficient funds towards development and upkeep of hangars systems.
Airplane hangar doors are made in a variety of different configurations that display strength and durability, ease of operation, and offer a controlled environment in a given climatic situation, as also prevent the harsh elements of the outside to get in. Hangar doors are fabricated to contain climatized air within, and importantly serve as a barrier to control the entry of pests, vermin, and birds. Hangar doors with good quality sealing is a must for closing doors in a secure manner.
Bottom Rolling hangar doors with their telescoping top roller hangar gates are meant to be versatile, meeting nearly all header deflection limits.
While Sliding hangar doors allow easy access for people with mobility issues, there are those that are technologically advanced with features like Remote Access control, where the hangar doors can be remotely controlled – from anywhere in the world! Automated Operation allows an authorised person to open and close hangar gates automatically. Thermal Insulated hangar doors keep the interior warm or cool, depending on outside weather conditions. Wind sensors and integrated lighting – while sensors help gauge wind speeds and prevent the hangar doors from opening when unsafe; Integrated lighting makes it easy to see the surroundings with darkness outside.
Servicing of hangar doors
Regular servicing and preventive maintenance (PM) keep hangar doors operating efficiently and smoothly thereby increasing the longevity of the system resulting in reduction of expenditure substantially. Some approved ways of maintaining hangar doors would be to keep a grease gun for approved levels of greasing. Pressure washers that keep the exterior clean, and since doors are sliding units, the rails they operate on need to be free from dirt and refuse.
Conclusion
Investing in a sound airline hangar system is like investing in safeguarding the viability of a particular airline/airport business. Hangar and hangar door designs and features have evolved over time to fulfil the needs of the equipment, assets and activities they harbour.
Reference credit –
- trullyreview.com
- Global.aero
- Mototok.com
