Hurricane Preparedness for you Aircraft

By Eric Morris | Published: August 7, 2015

South Florida is no stranger to hurricanes or tropical storms, which is why the time is now to take action for hurricane season! Sheffield’s School of Aeronautics wants you to plan ahead prior to any storm warnings and become aware if a hurricane is imminent. Here are some helpful tips to ensure safety prior to an emergency.

Evaluate multiple evacuation airports that are suitable for your aircraft.

  • When in an evacuation emergency, select an airport outside of the hurricane watch area to allow for un-forecasted movement.
  • Prepare a back-up plan to secure your aircraft if you are unable to evacuate. Replace ropes with chains at the most vertical angles. Move the aircraft to a more protected area on the airport with good tie-down anchors.
  • Have a temporary hanger space. If hangers are not available, remember to check the conditions of the tie-down ropes or chains.
  • Verify availability of scheduled airline or car rental services to get you and/or your evacuation pilot home.

Locate a number of possible “evacuation” pilots who can assist in relocating your aircraft if you’re unable to. Consider:

  • Checking your insurance policy’s Open Pilot Warranty. This sets forth the minimum qualifications for any pilot who’ll be flying your aircraft and will apply to your evacuation pilot.
  • Check for pilots or local aircraft dispatchers at your home and other area airports who are willing to help move your aircraft to a safe location.
  • If you’re nearby an aviation school like Sheffield’s School of Aeronautics, you may have a cadre of willing, able and qualified evacuation pilots there.
  • Make your contacts and arrangements early. When the storm hits, there will invariably be more planes that need to be relocated than there are pilots to fly them.
  • Keep your receipts for your expenditures for reimbursement under your insurance policy’s “Hurricane Relocation Coverage.”

Preparing your aircraft for a storm is never easy and can be worrisome. As long as the proper procedures and measures are taken to secure your aircraft and the location, there should be minimal damages done.

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