NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR PREHEATING YOUR AIRCRAFT ENGINE

 During these cold winter months it’s important that you properly preheat your aircraft engine before taking flight. Much like you preheat your car on a freezing morning, you should also preheat your aircraft engine because when you start an aircraft engine cold, the pistons are forced to work overtime and it causes excess wear and tear on your engine. 

While standard heating methods like block heaters, dipstick heaters, and hot air blowers are tried and true methods of preheating your aircraft engine, new technologies have been developed that are more convenient and efficient. Let’s explore several of these heating methods. 

The Standard Methods

Block heater

A block heater is a small heater that is embedded into the engine itself, so it will need to be installed. A cord runs from the block heater to an electrical outlet, allowing your engine to warm up thoroughly before you use your aircraft. How long you’ll need to keep it plugged in before using your aircraft depends on the size of your engine, it can be anywhere from two to six hours.

Dipstick heater

A dipstick heater replaces your regular oil engine dipstick, and it heats the oil in your engine directly. These heaters need to be installed professionally, and are more commonly used in smaller aircraft engines. Dipstick heaters also need to be plugged in so they can warm the oil in your engine, so you’ll need access to a nearby electrical outlet. 

Hot air blower

Hot air blowers, generally powered by propane, diesel, or gas, are commonly found at many executive airports. These heaters are set up on a cart that easily moves from aircraft to aircraft, and a large, cylindrical vent runs from the heater into your aircraft to warm it. 

New Technology: Cellular Access To Control Your Heater

The aircraft industry is always interested in easier, more convenient, and more efficient ways to preheat aircraft engines. One impressive new product called Switchbox allows you to turn on your preheater using your iPhone or iPad, so you don’t have to venture out into the chilly night to preheat your aircraft engine. 

With Switchbox there’s no risk of leaving your heater running too long if you decide not to fly, or forgetting to turn it off, because you can set custom timers to switch off your heater at the time of your choice. You can also simply send a text message to turn off your heater, and you’ll get a reply text to confirm the heater has been turned off. 

With remote heating options like Switchbox, you don’t have to trudge to the airport the night before to plug in your engine heater, you don’t have to worry about finding airport staff to preheat your engine if you can’t do it yourself, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting to switch it off. It’s convenient, efficient, and ensures your aircraft is ready to fly. 

For more information about the new technology for preheating your aircraft engine, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/preheat-your-engine/

POST NAVIGATION

FEATURES YOU CAN ADD TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR AIRCRAFT HANGAR

 

Are you redesigning your airplane hangar? Perhaps you’re making a list of your must-have features, or maybe you’re wondering what practical things you should include. Your airplane hangar is much more than a storage space, so why not transform it into a cool, fun place for you and your friends to hang out? Or maybe into an office space where you can work? Here are our must-have airplane hangar features. 

A Kitchen Area

At a minimum, you should install a tea and coffee station so you and your guests can enjoy some hot drinks while in your hangar. However, we recommend building a kitchenette area equipped with all the necessities for quick meals and snacks. If you have space outside of your hangar, you can install a BBQ grill and host cookouts during the summer months. 

An Office For Admin

No one likes stacks of messy paperwork just lying around. Plus, when you’re not organized, it’s easier to lose or misplace important documents. Whether you plan to work from your hangar part-time, or you simply want a space to keep all your documents in order, a small office space is a great way to keep your hangar neat and tidy. 

Big Windows

This isn't always allowed based on your hangar lease, but if it is an option for you we highly recommend installing some windows for natural light. You don’t want to feel like you’re enclosed in an underground bunker when you’re in your airplane hangar. Natural light is a great addition to any space, so we recommend installing big windows in your hangar, including several overhead skylights, so your space will be bright and feel airy. If you can't install windows we suggest some adding some artificial lighting, with “natural light” bulbs. 

A Lounge Area

When flying with family and friends, it’s great to have a lounge area in your hangar where everyone can hang out. Think about your living room at home – it’s probably the room in your house where you spend the most time, and it’s practical and comfortable. Lounge essentials include several sofas, a few coffee tables, some board games and a few decks of cards, and maybe a flatscreen TV. A good WiFi signal is always appreciated, too! 

As you can see, your aircraft hangar has the potential to be so much more than simply a storage space, especially if you’re a frequent flyer. Whether you’re a pilot and you plan to work out of your hangar, or you’re an aircraft hobbyist and you fly a lot with your family and friends, your custom airplane hangar is a place where everyone can come together and spend quality time. 

For more information about custom airplane hangar space, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.

This blog was originally published at: https://monmouthjetcenter.com/custom-airplane-hangars/