PREPPING YOUR AIRCRAFT AND HANGAR FOR WINTER

If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to prep your aircraft and your hangar for the cold winter months. In New Jersey, we know that in the coming months we’ll probably experience freezing or below-freezing temperatures, so ensuring your aircraft and your hangar are prepped is critical. Preparing for winter is way more involved than preparing for summer, so our team at Monmouth Jet Center has put together this helpful list to help you get winter-ready.

Oil and De-icer For Your Aircraft 

You should be using lower viscosity oil in your engine during the winter months because it circulates better, especially when the engine is cold. Lower viscosity oil is beneficial for pressure and circulation, and if you’re unsure about which oil to use in your aircraft’s engine, ask the maintenance crew who services your aircraft. 

De-icer fluid is another winter essential. It removes frozen contaminants like snow and ice from the exterior of your aircraft, which can interfere with a safe take-off if not removed on a regular basis. De-icer is usually applied using a large spray nozzle at a very high pressure, operated by a line service technician.

Preheat Your Aircraft Engine

Have you ever tried to start your car on a freezing winter morning, and found that the engine struggled to start? Aircraft engines can have difficulty starting in the winter, just like car engines. A temperature-controlled hangar can help keep the engine warm when your aircraft isn’t in use, and many aircraft have an electric plug you can use to heat the engine oil. If you know you’ll be using your aircraft, call ahead and have the hangar crew preheat your engine for an easy start. 

Insulating & Heating Your Hangar

Your aircraft is probably in its hangar most of the time, so it’s essential to keep the hangar at an above-freezing temperature. But heating a big space like a hangar can be expensive, especially when the heat is running constantly. Instead of heating the entire space you can invest in things like under-floor heating and insulation to keep the temperature up. 

Winter Accessories for Your Aircraft 

• Wing covers: These will help protect the aircraft’s wings and prevent ice build-up when your aircraft isn’t in use or in a hangar. 
• A full aircraft cover: If you want to protect your entire aircraft, you can keep it covered while it’s in its hangar. This helps protect the aircraft and prevents the engine from getting too cold. 
• A carbon monoxide detector:  It is required to install a carbon monoxide detector both in your aircraft and inside your hangar, especially if you’re using any type of heating method. Exposure to carbon monoxide can become deadly in a matter of minutes, so protect yourself. 

For more information about prepping your aircraft and your hangar for winter, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today or visit our website at: https://monmouthjetcenter.com/

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/prepping-your-aircraft-and-hangar-for-winter/

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AIRCRAFT INSURANCE

 

Do you have your own aircraft, or are you thinking of buying an aircraft in the near future? Owning an aircraft is a big investment, and similar to other big investments like cars and homes, you’ll need insurance. Aircraft insurance is essential to protect against damage, as well as normal wear and tear. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of aircraft insurance, including different types of coverage, the cost and why it’s really a non-negotiable when owning an aircraft.

What Type Of Coverage Would You Need?

• Owners Aircraft Insurance: this covers a range of different aircraft including  airplanes, seaplanes, and air gliders. This insurance covers the physical aircraft itself. 
• In-flight Insurance: As the name suggests, in-flight insurance covers any incidents that happen while you’re airborne, including incidents that occur during grounded operations.
• Hangar Insurance. Most people store their aircraft in hangars, so in order to protect the hangar where you keep your aircraft, you’ll need hangar insurance. This also covers maintenance personnel if they service the aircraft in your hangar. 
• Renter Insurance: If you’re renting an aircraft instead of purchasing one, renter’s insurance is essential to protect yourself in case there’s an incident while the aircraft is in your possession. Additionally, if you are renting out the aircraft you own, it is essential for all renters to have their own rental insurance. 

Cost of Aircraft Insurance

When budgeting for the cost of owning an aircraft and all related expenses, it’s important to remember that aircraft insurance will be a significant percentage of your budget. The cost will depend on several factors: what type of aircraft you have, the extent of the coverage, and your previous – if any – history with aircraft insurance. 

We recommend speaking with an aircraft insurance company who can discuss your options and help you find an insurance policy that works for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all figure for cost when it comes to something as diverse as aircraft insurance, so you’ll need a customized policy.  

Is It A Mandate To Have Aircraft Insurance?

Although there are no federal mandates that require you to have aircraft insurance, (FBOs) usually require you to be insured in order to use their facilities. For example, if you want to rent hangar space at Monmouth Jet Center, there are certain insurance requirements you’ll be required to meet before you’re eligible to rent a hangar with us. 

Why Aircraft Insurance Is Important

Aircraft insurance protects you and your aircraft while in flight, while stored in a hangar, and during ground transportation. Insurance also covers the crew who service your aircraft, your passengers, in-flight crews, and incidents that occur internationally. 

As mentioned above, aircraft insurance is a way to protect your investment. If an incident occurs while you’re uninsured, it can result in huge costs and inconveniences for you – so it’s absolutely not a risk worth taking. 

For more information about selecting the right type of aircraft insurance for you, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today or visit our website at: https://monmouthjetcenter.com/

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/what-you-need-to-know-aircraft-insurance/