Aircraft Hangar Lighting Standards & Design Requirements

Designing effective aircraft hangar lighting standards, requirements, and design is necessary for ensuring safety and operational efficiency. Proper illumination in aircraft hangars not only facilitates maintenance tasks but also enhances security by providing clear visibility. 

Aircraft hangar lighting standards

Industry guidelines recommend lighting levels of 75 to 150 foot candles for routine inspection areas to ensure attention to detail and safety compliance. For general hangar operations, a minimum of 30 to 50 foot candles is required to provide adequate visibility for effective work and operations.

For more information on enhancing your hangar's efficiency and safety, explore our cutting-edge LED hangar lights, designed to meet and exceed industry lighting standards.

Start saving on energy while meeting aircraft hangar lighting standards! Contact us today for expert design solutions tailored to your needs.

Aircraft hangar lighting requirements by function and location

The aviation industry's commitment to safety extends far beyond the cockpit and into the maintenance facilities where aircraft undergo critical inspections or any repairs. Proper illumination is an important yet often overlooked element among the many factors contributing to a safe and efficient maintenance environment.   

The following will provide insights into the unique needs of different hangar zones, ensuring comprehensive coverage and compliance with OSHA lighting standards to ensure workplaces are adequately illuminated to promote safety and efficiency.

Interior

Proper aircraft hangar lighting systems ensure visibility, safety, and efficiency across various tasks. Each interior zone has unique lighting needs tailored to its function.

General Work and Storage Areas

• Illuminance Level: A minimum of 30 foot-candles (fc) is recommended for general work and storage areas.
• Lighting Type: LED high bay fixtures are preferred for their energy efficiency and longevity.
• Color Rendering Index (CRI): A CRI of 80 or higher is advisable to ensure accurate color perception.

Administrative and Office Areas

• Illuminance Level: Standard office lighting levels of 30 to 50 fc suit administrative tasks.
• Lighting Type: LED panel lights or troffers provide uniform illumination with minimal glare.
• CRI: A CRI of 80 or higher ensures a comfortable and productive work environment.

Aircraft Maintenance Areas

• Illuminance Level: For maintenance tasks involving fine details, such as drilling, riveting, and screw fastening, an illuminance level of 70 to 100 fc is recommended.
• Lighting Type: A combination of airport hangar lighting with overhead LED fixtures and adjustable task lighting provides flexibility and adequate illumination.
• CRI: A CRI of 80 or above is essential for distinguishing wiring colors and detecting material defects.

Exterior

Exterior lighting ensures safety and efficiency in areas surrounding the hangar. These zones have specific requirements to support operations and enhance security.

Inspection Bays

• Illuminance Level: Inspection bays, typically around 100 fc, require higher illuminance levels to facilitate detailed examinations.
• Lighting Type: High-intensity LED fixtures with focused beam angles minimize shadows and enhance visibility.
• CRI: A CRI of 85 or higher is recommended to ensure precise color differentiation.

Emergency and Egress Lighting

• Illuminance Level: Emergency pathways should maintain at least 1 fc during power outages.
• Lighting Type: Battery-backed LED emergency lights and exit signs are essential for safety compliance.
• Standards Compliance: Ensure all emergency lighting meets local building codes and aviation safety regulations.

Additional Considerations

• Glare Control: Utilize fixtures with diffusers or prismatic lenses to reduce glare, preventing visual discomfort and enhancing safety.
• Energy Efficiency: Implement LED lighting solutions with high efficacy ratings to reduce energy consumption and operational costs.
• Intelligent Controls: Incorporate lighting controls such as dimmers, occupancy sensors, and daylight harvesting systems to optimize energy use and adapt to varying operational needs.

Commercial lighting maintenance involves regular checks and repairs to ensure that lighting systems in businesses remain functional and energy-efficient.

Ensure compliance with aircraft hangar lighting standards and design the perfect lighting system. Reach out to our experts for a customized plan that saves you time and money.

Figuring out your hangar lighting design needs

Designing effective hangar lighting requires a methodical approach that prioritizes safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. Below are the key steps to creating a lighting system tailored to your hangar’s needs.

1. Conduct a Thorough Lighting Audit

Start by evaluating the current lighting system and consider the following led lighting solutions for aircraft construction:

• Measure light levels to ensure compliance with recommended standards (e.g., 30–100 foot-candles depending on the area).
• Identify problem areas with insufficient lighting, glare, or uneven distribution.
• Assess energy consumption and pinpoint inefficiencies for cost-saving opportunities, such as upgrading to LEDs or introducing smart controls.

2. Create a Tailored Lighting Design

Develop a customized plan for all areas of the hangar:

• Interior Areas: Storage zones require 30 foot-candles for visibility, while maintenance areas need 70–100 foot-candles to support detailed tasks.
• Exterior Areas: Parking aprons should be illuminated with 20 foot-candles for aircraft positioning, and runways and taxiways require 10–20 foot-candles for safe navigation.

3. Integrate Smart Controls

Smart lighting systems optimize energy use and adapt to changing needs:

• Daylight harvesting systems balance artificial and natural light.
• Occupancy sensors minimize energy waste in low-traffic zones.
• Scheduled dimming adjusts brightness levels based on operational routines.

4. Minimize Glare

Addressing glare is critical for safety and comfort:

• Use indirect lighting strategies, such as reflective surfaces, for more even illumination.
• Install shielded fixtures with controlled beam angles to reduce unnecessary light spill.
• Apply anti-reflective coatings to work surfaces and equipment to cut down on reflections.

5. Establish Ongoing Maintenance and Evaluation

Regular maintenance ensures your lighting system performs reliably over time:

• Clean fixtures periodically to maintain light output and prevent dust buildup.
• Replace failed LEDs promptly to avoid uneven lighting.
• Periodically measure light levels to verify adherence to FAA and OSHA standards.

Key Takeaways on Hangar Lighting Standards

In summary, effective hangar lighting design is best for optimizing operational efficiency and ensuring safety in aviation environments. It is essential to:

• Utilize tailored lighting solutions for different zones such as inspection bays, storage areas, and maintenance zones, ensuring each space meets its specific illumination needs.
• Adhere to aviation industry standards and regulatory compliance to maintain appropriate light levels across all operational areas. Industrial lighting companies provide specialized lighting solutions designed to meet the unique needs of manufacturing and warehouse environments.
• Consider the architectural design and layout of the hangar to create an effective lighting distribution that integrates seamlessly with existing structures.
• Opt for modern, energy-efficient lighting technologies such as LED systems, which offer customizable solutions and adaptable brightness levels to meet varying operational demands.
• Incorporate smart lighting controls to optimize energy use and enhance flexibility, contributing to sustainable and efficient hangar operations.

With the right lighting design, aircraft hangars can maximize safety and productivity. To get started on optimizing your hangar lighting, consult with our expert team. Contact us today to tailor solutions that meet your specific requirements.

Our LED retrofit company specializes in upgrading existing lighting systems to energy-efficient LED solutions, which can significantly reduce energy costs and improve lighting quality.

Optimize your hangar with efficient lighting solutions that meet all design requirements. Start saving now - contact us for expert guidance!