There are storage warehouses, and then there are aviation storage warehouses. The space required to build, store, and repair aircraft dwarfs just about any other industry.
Yet, despite the size and weight of the aircraft itself and many of its components, some of the parts needed to build a plane are small and delicate. That’s why organization and optimal use of space is critical for aviation storage and maintenance.
This article will examine the factors and solutions that can help your aviation facility run more efficiently—saving you time and money.
Special Considerations for Aviation Storage
Storing and maintaining an aircraft is more complicated than with other vehicles. In addition to dealing with the sheer size and weight of the craft itself, the aviation storage facility manager must comply with federal regulations in all aviation storage areas.
Here are some of the unique considerations for airplane hangar storage:
- Separate all flammable materials from non-flammable materials; do not permit open flammable containers.
- Store defective components discovered during maintenance until they can be returned to the customer/operator or sent for repair.
- Store unsalvageable components until they can be properly discarded and/or destroyed.
- Correctly package, identify, and store sensitive parts and equipment, including oxygen system components, O-rings, electrostatic sensitive devices, etc.
- Store pressure containers, grease, oils, and chemicals or hazardous materials in labeled containers in separate rooms.
- Store aircraft tires vertically.
- Mark and appropriately store materials that can generate an electric charge, such as carpet, foam, or vinyl.
- Measure and record temperature and humidity in the facility daily.
- Restrict access to the facility to employees only.
The length of time an aircraft is stored determines proper procedures for airplane hangar storage. Short-term storage often means a period of fewer than 60 days. On the other hand, long-term storage is a time longer than 60 days.
Benefits of Good Organization and Storage
When storing and maintaining aircraft, it is crucial to make the most efficient use of your space as possible. Since a large amount of workspace is necessary, it’s important to organize and make parts and materials easily accessible.
In addition to helping workers locate parts quickly when they need them, a well-organized system protects sensitive aerospace components from damage caused by dust, heat, cold, or moisture.
Ultimately, safe storage and maintenance procedures benefit everyone on the ground and in the air.
Storage Solutions for Aviation
Speedrack West offers many storage solutions for the aviation industry.
Selective Pallet Rack
Selective pallet rack systems can be customized to meet your facility’s unique needs. There are many different styles of pallet racking, but the most common style is the “teardrop” style. These pallet rack frames have a distinctive teardrop-shaped opening, spaced two inches apart, to provide a secure connection to the beam.
Pallet rack frames offer structural support to the rack and are designed to hold substantial weight loads. Frames are made of different materials, but the strongest is steel. The beams, usually made of heavy-duty steel, are what hold the frames together.
Decking is the shelf of the pallet rack. Wire mesh decking can support a load of up to 2,500 pounds of uniformly distributed weight. Then use plastic storage bins to hold small or thin items that might fall through the mesh.
Mobile Pallet Rack
Instead of being fixed to the floor, mobile pallet racks are placed on bases that are secured to tracks on the floor. Mechanical means or an electric motor with remote controllers power the movement of the racks.
Mobile racks are efficient, versatile, and they work well for heavy loads. One of the best features is their mobility, allowing them to stay close while you repair or service an aircraft in large aviation warehouses.
Contact our experts today to find the right mobile rack solution for you.
Giant Storage Containers
You can safely store and move large components with the use of Speedrack West’s large plastic stackable bins. These giant bins pictured here are durable and easy to clean. Despite their large storage capacity, the containers themselves weigh only four pounds each.
There are many sizes, styles, and colors to choose from to kick the organization of your facility up a notch.
Partition Cages for Sensitive Materials
You can protect sensitive or hazardous materials and tools in your aviation facility with the use of partition cages. A wire security cage provides a secure enclosure, safeguarding from unauthorized access and theft. Wire security cages are also perfect for regulating access to certain areas. You can restrict access to specific entry points for specific people.
Our RapidWire Wire Mesh Partition Cage come in several sizes to meet your needs. Each four-sided cage has a hinged door that one can securely lock. As a result, only authorized personnel have access. Custom sizes and configurations are available upon request.
Talk With An Expert
Do you have questions about how to better organize your aviation storage facility? The storage experts at Speedrack West are happy to meet with you to discuss your options. We customize designs that fit your storage needs, as well as your budget.
Please give us a call today to set up your free consultation.
