Guide on Aircraft Hangar Its Importance and Benefits

Everyone has a sacred space to keep all the comforting parts of our lives to turn to when things need freshening up. For Buddha Air, it is our state-of-the-art Hangar Facility, inaugurated on April 18, 2012. As the only airline in Nepal with such a facility and one of the few in South Asia, our hangar plays a golden role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of our fleet.

A Hangar is a vital structure in the aviation industry, serving as a protective and functional space for an aircraft. Whether for storage, maintenance, or protection from the elements, this safe and well-equipped space is a beacon for the safety and longevity of aircraft.

Let us take you through the importance, features, and benefits of airplane hangars, as well as the various maintenance checks that take place within these facilities.

Importance of Airplane Hangars

The importance of an airplane hangar cannot be overstated. Hangars provide a safe and controlled environment for conducting maintenance checks, ensuring that aircraft remain in optimal condition for flight. By housing aircraft in a hangar, airlines can protect them from weather-related damage, such as corrosion caused by rain or snow.

Moreover, an aircraft hangar is essential for protecting aircraft from potential hazards on the ground, such as debris or unauthorized access. Security is a major concern in aviation, and a well-secured hangar on airport premises helps prevent theft, vandalism, and other security breaches. Airplane hangars also play a key role in the operational efficiency of airlines. By providing a centralized location for maintenance, repairs, and storage, hangars allow airlines to streamline their operations, reducing downtime and ensuring that planes are ready for flight when needed.

Buddha Air’s hangar, occupying an area of 37,000 square feet at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), is equipped with international standard storage facilities worth $9.3 million in aircraft spares. Our hangar’s location allows us to perform safety inspections and audits in Nepal rather than flying abroad, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.

Tools and Techniques Used in Aircraft Hangars

An aircraft hangar is more than just a large space to park; it's a complex facility filled with specialized tools and equipment that are crucial for maintaining and repairing aircraft. Among these tools are aircraft jacks and lifts, which are essential for safely raising an aircraft off the ground. This allows technicians to inspect and repair critical components, such as the landing gear, ensuring the plane is ready for safe takeoff and landing. Engine stands are another vital piece of equipment in the hangar, providing stable support for engines that have been removed from the aircraft for detailed inspection or repair. Without these stands, working on these massive and intricate parts would be both difficult and unsafe.

In addition to physical support, advanced diagnostic equipment plays a key role in assessing the health of an aircraft. These tools are used to evaluate the condition of various systems within the plane, including the avionics, which manage navigation and communication, the hydraulics, which control the movement of parts like flaps and landing gear, and the engines, which power the aircraft. Accurate diagnostics are essential for identifying any potential issues that need to be addressed before the aircraft can safely fly again.

The hangar itself is designed to accommodate the needs of these tools and the aircraft they serve. One of the most important features of an aircraft hangar is its doors. These large, robust doors are specifically designed to allow planes to move in and out of the hangar with ease. Depending on the design of the hangar, the doors may slide, fold, or lift, but regardless of the mechanism, their proper maintenance is crucial. If these doors fail, it can disrupt the entire maintenance process, causing delays and potentially grounding aircraft.

Finally, the environment inside the hangar is carefully controlled to support the work being done. Adequate lighting is essential so that technicians can see every detail of the aircraft they are working on, reducing the risk of mistakes. Proper ventilation is equally important, as it ensures a safe and comfortable working environment, preventing the buildup of fumes from chemicals or fuels used during maintenance. Together, these tools and systems create a space where aircraft can be meticulously maintained, ensuring they are always ready for their next flight.

Benefits of Airplane Hangars

The benefits of having an airplane hangar are numerous. One of the primary benefits is the protection it offers to aircraft from environmental factors. An airplane hangar offers critical protection to aircraft from environmental factors, significantly reducing the wear and tear that can occur when planes are exposed to harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and extreme temperatures during maintenance. 

The controlled environment of a well-equipped hangar allows for thorough and meticulous maintenance checks. This environment provides the necessary space and specialized tools for comprehensive inspections and repairs, ensuring that every aspect of the aircraft is carefully examined and maintained. This not only keeps the aircraft in top condition for safe and reliable flight but also helps prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

Having a dedicated hangar contributes to significant cost savings for airlines. By reducing the frequency of repairs and minimizing aircraft downtime, hangars enable airlines to perform maintenance more efficiently. This leads to quicker turnaround times, allowing planes to return to service faster, which in turn enhances operational efficiency and reduces overall maintenance costs. In essence, an airplane hangar is a vital asset that supports the safety, reliability, and financial health of an airline's operations.

Conclusion

Airplane hangars are an essential part of the aviation industry, providing the space, tools, and protection needed to keep aircraft in optimal condition. From routine maintenance checks to major repairs, the role of a hangar in airport operations is invaluable. As airlines continue to prioritize safety and efficiency, the importance of well-equipped and strategically located aircraft hangars will only grow.
Buddha Air’s hangar, recognized with the IPMA Excellence Award in 2014, exemplifies the high standards required for modern aircraft maintenance. With our facility, we maintain not only our fleet but also provide services for other airlines, ensuring that aviation in Nepal and beyond remains safe and reliable.