January Focus: Heaters in Hangars
As winter approaches and the temperatures drop, it's a good time to review the airport's policy regarding portable heaters in hangars. As a fellow pilot, I know how nice it is to preflight in a warm hangar and then climb into a warm aircraft. As a reminder, the airport's current hangar lease allows for the use of portable electric heaters while the hangar/aircraft is attended. However, during a recent fire extinguisher inspection, airport employees found several hangars in violation of the policy. Portable electric heaters were found running on high settings while unattended, and multiple-element heaters, radiators and heaters were being used in engine compartments. Multiple heaters were also discovered next to propane bottles and flammable items.
Airport policy addressing the operation of electric heaters is very specific as it’s an issue of safety – for the protection of your property and the adjacent hangars. Any use beyond this policy raises the risk of fire and is unacceptable.
During future inspections, if airport employees find operating portable electric heaters unattended (other than those permanently installed on the aircraft), they will be turned off and a violation letter will be issued. Continued breach of the policy may result in the termination of the hangar lease agreement.
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