How To Prepare Your Aircraft For Hurricane Season?
The U.S. National Hurricane Center recognizes hurricane season as June 1st to November 30th. With the season spanning half of the year, it’s important for aircraft owners to know how to protect their inventory. Unpredictable weather can wreak detrimental havoc with little warning, but having a hurricane plan at the ready can limit damage or eliminate it altogether. Here are a few ways you can prepare your aircraft for a hurricane:
Relocate
Assuming your aircraft is airworthy, the best way to guarantee your plane’s safety is to take it to another airport outside of the endangered area. If you choose this option, you’ll want to get in touch with the airport as soon as possible. There will be many other aircraft owners with the same plan and acting immediately will ensure there is a spot for you. It might also be a good idea to contact an evacuation pilot in the event that the weather is too extreme for you to fly in.
If you don’t typically store your aircraft in a hangar, it would be wise to find one to keep your aircraft in while you wait out the storm. Remember to consider the state of the hangar before leaving your plane there. If the hangar isn't strong or well-built you risk it collapsing on your aircraft during the storm, causing much more damage than the hurricane would.
Tie Down
Keep in mind that this option is to be used only as a last resort. You should only employ this tactic if your plane is not airworthy. If tying down your aircraft is the best option available, here are some ways you can protect it from damage caused by the hurricane:
- Your first action should be to speak with your FBO (Fixed Base Operator). They will most likely have hurricane procedures prepared.
- If given an option, tie down your aircraft upwind from other aircraft. Be aware that hurricanes are unpredictable and wind directions can change rapidly.
- Beware of Foreign Object Debris (FOD). The tiniest of FOD can be very dangerous to aircraft during a storm. Scan your aircraft’s surrounding area and remove anything that could become a projectile.
- Set the parking brake and chock & deflate your tires. These might not seem like significant precautions, but could ultimately prevent major damage.
While some of these options are better than others, any of them can protect your aircraft in a hurricane. No matter what option you select, the most important thing is to act quickly. Hurricanes are near impossible to predict and giving yourself time to prepare will minimize damage. We at ASAP Aviation Hub believe in taking the utmost care of your aircraft. Carrying a variety of aircraft parts and components, we are a comprehensive purchasing platform designed to streamline your experience. To learn more, visit our site at www.asapaviationhub.com or reach out to us at +1-714-705-4780 and sales@asapaviationhub.com.
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