Annual Hangar Maintenance Checklist

Your aircraft hangar is more than just a storage space—it’s a critical asset protecting your aviation investment. Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs, extends your hangar’s lifespan, and ensures a safe environment for your aircraft. This comprehensive checklist breaks down essential maintenance tasks by frequency, helping you stay organized throughout the year.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Consistent monthly attention prevents small issues from becoming major problems. These quick checks should become routine:

Door Operation: Test your hangar doors at least once monthly, even if you use them daily. Listen for unusual sounds like grinding, squeaking, or clicking that indicate worn bearings or misaligned tracks. Check that doors open and close smoothly without sticking or hesitation. For bi-fold doors, ensure all cables and pulleys operate correctly.

Lighting Systems: Walk through your hangar and verify all interior and exterior lights function properly. Replace burned-out bulbs immediately—proper lighting is essential for safety and security. Clean light fixtures to maximize brightness and check for any signs of electrical issues like flickering or buzzing.

Pest Control: Inspect for signs of rodents, birds, or insects. Look for droppings, nesting materials, or entry points along the roofline and door seals. Birds can cause significant damage to aircraft, while rodents may chew through wiring and insulation. Address any pest activity immediately with traps or professional pest control services.

Quarterly Maintenance Tasks

Every three months, perform more thorough inspections of critical systems:

Roof Inspection: Examine your roof for visible damage including loose or missing fasteners, deteriorating sealant around penetrations, and standing water that indicates drainage problems. Check for rust on metal roofs and cracking on built-up roofing systems. Clear any debris that has accumulated.

Drainage Systems: Clean gutters and downspouts thoroughly. Verify that water flows away from the foundation and doesn’t pool near doors or walls. Check that floor drains inside the hangar are clear and functional—blocked drains can cause flooding during heavy rain.

Electrical Systems: Inspect all visible wiring for damage, wear, or corrosion. Test GFCI outlets to ensure they trip and reset properly. Check circuit breakers for signs of overheating. Verify that exterior outlets and security lighting work correctly.

Annual Maintenance Tasks

Once per year, schedule comprehensive inspections and professional services:

Structural Inspection: Hire a qualified inspector to examine your hangar’s structural integrity. They should check the foundation for cracks or settling, assess wall panels for damage or separation, and verify that the building envelope remains weathertight. Address any structural concerns immediately—they only worsen with time.

Door Mechanism Service: Have a professional service your hangar doors annually. This includes lubricating all moving parts, adjusting tension on cables and springs, inspecting safety features like auto-reverse mechanisms, and replacing worn components. Proper door maintenance prevents dangerous failures and extends equipment life.

Flooring Assessment: Inspect concrete floors for cracks, spalling, or oil stains that have penetrated the surface. Consider applying a fresh coat of epoxy sealant to protect the concrete and make cleaning easier. Repair any trip hazards before they cause injuries.

Safety Equipment Checks

Safety equipment requires regular attention to ensure it works when needed:

Fire Extinguishers: Verify all extinguishers are properly mounted, charged, and accessible. Check expiration dates and schedule professional inspections annually. Most hangars need both ABC dry chemical and Class D extinguishers rated for aircraft fires.

First Aid Kits: Inventory and restock first aid supplies quarterly. Replace expired medications and used items promptly. Ensure kits are clearly marked and accessible.

Emergency Exits: Confirm that all emergency exits open freely and are clearly marked with illuminated signage. Test emergency lighting to ensure it activates during power outages.

Documentation and Record Keeping

Maintain detailed records of all maintenance activities. Document inspection dates, findings, repairs performed, and costs. Keep receipts for parts and professional services. This documentation proves valuable for insurance claims, lease negotiations, and resale value. Create a maintenance calendar with reminders for scheduled tasks, and store records both digitally and in a physical binder at the hangar.

When to Call Professionals

While many maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly, certain situations require professional expertise:

• Electrical work beyond simple replacements
• Roof repairs involving structural components
• Door mechanism adjustments or spring replacement
• Foundation or structural concerns
• Fire suppression system inspection and maintenance
• HVAC system service (if equipped)

Investing in professional maintenance prevents costly mistakes and ensures work meets building codes. Regular maintenance costs far less than emergency repairs or premature hangar replacement. By following this checklist consistently, you’ll protect your aircraft, maintain your property value, and enjoy years of trouble-free hangar ownership.