A I R C R A F T S T O R A G E
Curing hangar rash
The term hangar rash has been coined by
the aviation industry to refer to any minor
incidents that cause damage to an aircraft
that is typically caused by inadequate ground
handling in and around a hangar, other aircraft
or objects on the ground. Despite the flippantsounding
name, hangar rash is an expensive
problem for the sector.
“Hangar rash cost the industry nearly US$100
million last year, explains Michael Partin, co-founder
and sales director at Hangarstack. “We have to do
a better job at planning aircraft movements on the
ramp and in the hangar.”
According to Roger Woolsey, CEO of Million
Air, there’s no one solution to preventing these
incidents. “It’s a combination of a lot of things,” he
says. “We use multiple employees for every aircraft
movement, not one person on tug.
“We only use professional grade wheel chocks,
we use safety markers and cones around static
aircraft at all times and we only purchase the finest
equipment to interact with aircraft. We spend a lot
of time hiring the right people and expend constant
effort, resources and time training and maintaining
proficiency in our highly skilled workforce.”
“There is significant
uncertainty surrounding
the benefits versus
potential hazards related
to hangar foam fire
suppression systems”
Megan Eisenstein, NATA’s director of
66 | BU S INE S S A I R P O RT INT E RNAT I ONA L O C TO B E R 2 0 1 9
regulatory affairs
to aircraft monitoring, communicating with
crews and attention to any needs that they
may have.”
Contracts for renting hangar space
will vary greatly from airport, to airport
and are largely determined by the aircraft
owner’s requirements. “If you are looking
for a short-term, transient type hangar
space, then no, there is no contractual
requirements. If you are looking for longer
term hangar space, then yes, you must sign
a lease,” says Carley.
“The process works by contacting the FBO
to express your interest in hangar space. Then,
the FBO will contact you to find out to the type of
hangar space you are looking for and the time frame.
Last, we follow up with what we have available, anticipated
monthly lease rate, and insurance requirements.
“Our leases have requirements for tenants to carry
minimum levels of insurance. The airport also carrier liability
insurance. Specifics regarding who pays for what damage
depend on the nature and cause of the incident.”
Attention to detail
Most companies which specialize in hangar and aircraft
storage have to ensure nothing is left to chance to protect
their client’s aircraft. Although the décor inside many
hangars may seem superficial, there’s a reason behind
the design. “We use high gloss white epoxy flooring to
give magnificent shine and lush reflection to the aircraft.
This flooring enhances safety and appearances for flight
departments and aircraft owners.
“If your car dropped oil in your driveway would you
notice? Some of these aircraft are flying 500mph at -50°F in
the middle of summer. A drip of oil from an aircraft engine
is very important. On the high gloss epoxy floors, you can
spot a drop of oil from 100ft away. You cannot risk catching
something like this when it is too late to carry out a repair,”
explains Woolsey.
“People spend money on garages for cars. Private jets
cost millions, so it stands to reason that people will want
to have the best ‘garage’ for his aircraft,” concludes
Michael Zach, managing director of Austrian FBO Vienna
Aircraft Handling.
Bottom: Million Air’s US$10
million Syracuse, New York
FBO opened in April 2018
Below: Its 28,000ft hangar
features epoxy floors and
LED lighting