How to illuminate an aircraft hangar
We discovered that all face very similar lighting design difficulties after constructing aircraft hangars for a number of clients, ranging in size from small, corporate facilities to enormous projects. Here are my suggestions on how to light an aircraft hangar in order to satisfy the typical lighting needs for aircraft hangars.
Uniform lighting
The bottom of the aircraft receives the majority of the maintenance work. Plenty of light is required, with as little shadows as feasible. The aircraft’s vertical surfaces are routinely inspected for damage. Even at such upper levels, there must be enough light to locate and fix damage.
Overall, to account for the reflectances of each interior finish, the lighting must be set intelligently, frequently using slanted optics and higher-than-average fixture densities.
Finishes
The ideal finish for the floors, walls, and ceilings is one that is flat and highly reflecting, such white epoxy. This finish palette reduces shadows in both the light and dark regions of the room. This is essential for preventing mishaps and improving the visibility of small things for both the maintenance personnel and the pilots.
The use of reflective finishes when lighting aircraft hangars frequently results in a reduction in the quantity and power of fixtures needed, saving the customer money on both construction and energy expenditures. When choosing the appropriate fixture for your upgrade, take into account the finishes of your hangar.
Glare
In a hangar full of reflecting elements, we want to minimize glare or brilliant spots of light. Pilots operating airplanes inside a hangar may become blinded by glare. Additionally, when maintenance personnel examine airplanes for structural flaws, it may conceal serious flaws. Worker weariness is also exacerbated by excessive brightness.
Through the use of frosted or prismatic lenses, indirect lighting, and thoughtful fixture placement within the room, we can eliminate glare.
Color representation
Frequent visual checks are necessary for aircraft maintenance. It is crucial that the lighting is not only bright but also has the best color rendering possible, or CRI, in order to see the various colors of wiring and make the correct connections in an airplane (Color Rendering Index). For illuminating hangars, we advise using LED fixtures with a minimum CRI of 80.
Robust and weatherproof
Depending on where they located, hangars can be extremely hot or extremely cold and frequently have insufficient insulation. The lifespan and light output of LED fixtures can be significantly decreased by these temperature variations. Complicating matters, the lighting system is susceptible to damage from rain, snow, dust, and strong winds when the enormous bay doors are open.
We frequently advise a wet, dust-resistant, high ambient temperature-rated fixture placed with a robust mounting mechanism to combat these conditions.
Life and energy consumption
As everyone is aware, LEDs provide a very energy-efficient lighting solution. Did you know that a well-thought-out lighting control system can boost efficiency and fixture life even further? We advise using remote controls, timers, dimmers, and motion detectors.
Hangars that double as event locations
The hangar can serve as both a rental event space and a venue for business events by choosing LED lights that can be dimmed. Many charitable and social events have been successfully held at the airport in this manner. A dramatic event area is created by dimming the overhead lighting and adding portable colored LEDs to accent the walls and aircraft.
Make sure to take these factors into account when it comes time to improve your aircraft hangar lighting. Please get in touch with us if you have any inquiries or if you want us to look over a project for an aircraft hangar.
