Aviation Equipment Storage: 5 Best Practices

In the world of aviation, proper storage of equipment is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and safety of operations. It’s not just about keeping things organized; it’s about ensuring that every piece of equipment is protected from damage and in optimal working condition. A small mistake or oversight can have serious consequences, making it essential to implement best practices for equipment storage.

Even the armed forces of different countries around the world understand the importance of equipment storage. That’s why military shelter systems, which are designed to provide secure and protected storage for sensitive equipment, exist in military aviation. Just like storage containers or facilities used in civil aviation, these shelter systems ensure that equipment remains safe from threats or harsh weather conditions when not in use.

In this blog post, we’ll explore five best practices for aviation equipment storage, covering both military and civilian aviation. Following these best approaches to storage can help you protect your equipment and ensure it’s ready for use when you need it. Read on to explore them in more detail.

1. 1. Clean and Inspect Equipment Before Storage

Before storing any aviation equipment, it’s important to clean and inspect it thoroughly. This is because even small amounts of dirt, debris, or moisture can cause corrosion, rust, or other forms of damage over time. By cleaning and inspecting equipment before storage, you can identify any issues early on and prevent them from becoming more serious problems later.

To clean aviation equipment, you should use a combination of warm water and mild detergent, along with a sponge or soft-bristled brush. Avoid using abrasive materials that could damage the equipment’s surface. Do away with harsh chemicals, too. Once you’ve cleaned the equipment, make sure to dry it thoroughly to prevent any moisture from remaining on the surface.

After cleaning the equipment, it’s important to inspect it for any signs of wear and tear, damage, or malfunction. This includes checking for cracks, leaks, loose parts, or other issues that could compromise the equipment’s performance. If you identify any issues during the inspection, it’s important to address them before storing the equipment. This could involve repairing or replacing damaged parts, or taking other steps to ensure the equipment is in good working order.

1. 2. Store Equipment in a Clean, Dry, and Safe Environment

Once you’ve cleaned and inspected your aviation equipment, the next step is to choose a storage location. Look for a space that is free from moisture, dust, and other contaminants. Ideally, the storage area should be climate-controlled to prevent temperature and humidity fluctuations that could damage the equipment. If climate control is not possible, consider using desiccant packs or other moisture-absorbing materials to keep the equipment dry.

In addition to keeping the equipment clean and dry, it’s important to store it in a safe and secure location. This could involve using locking cabinets, cages, or other storage solutions that prevent unauthorized access or theft. It’s also a good idea to label and organize your equipment so that you can easily find and access it when you need it.

1. 3. Use Proper Storage Containers or Racks

Using proper storage containers or racks is also an essential aspect of storing aviation equipment.

When choosing storage containers or racks, look for ones that are specifically designed for aviation equipment. These containers or racks should be made of durable materials and have a secure closure mechanism to prevent dust, moisture, or other contaminants from entering. They should also have padding or other protective features to prevent any damage to the equipment during transport or storage.

Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the storage containers or racks are the appropriate size for the equipment being stored. The equipment should fit snugly in the container or rack to prevent any movement or shifting during transport or storage.

1. 4. Implement A Tracking System

Proper aviation equipment storage also means implementing a tracking system that can help you keep track of the equipment’s location, condition, and usage.

There are various types of tracking systems available, ranging from simple spreadsheets to more complex artificial intelligence-powered software programs. When choosing a tracking system, consider the size and complexity of your equipment inventory, as well as the level of detail you require.

A good tracking system should include information such as the equipment’s make and model, serial number, date of purchase, and current location. It should also include details about any maintenance tasks performed, including the date, who performed the task, and what was done. You may also want to include any notes about the equipment’s condition or performance.

It’s important to keep the tracking system up-to-date and accurate. This can help you identify any issues early on and take steps to address them before they become more serious problems. It can also help you track the equipment’s usage and lifespan, which can be useful when planning for future maintenance or replacement.

1. 5. Regularly Maintain and Rotate Stored Equipment

Over time, stored equipment can deteriorate or become damaged, even if it’s not being used. To prevent this, it’s important to establish a regular maintenance schedule for all stored equipment. This schedule should include tasks such as cleaning, lubrication, and inspection for any signs of wear or damage. Any issues should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage or deterioration.

In addition to regular maintenance, it’s important to rotate stored equipment periodically. This can help prevent any issues that may arise from long-term storage, such as corrosion or deformation.

When rotating stored equipment, follow a systematic approach. This may involve rotating equipment based on its age or condition, or based on a predetermined schedule. It’s also important to ensure that the equipment is properly stored and labeled during rotation to prevent any confusion or delays when retrieving it.

Conclusion

Proper storage of aviation equipment is essential to ensure that it remains in good condition and is ready for use when needed. By following these best practices, you can help extend the lifespan of your aviation equipment and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements. There’s also peace of mind in knowing that you can use the equipment anytime without any problems.