Aircraft Hangar Lighting Plans | Aircraft Hangar Lighting Standards
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Our Customers
CBRE needed high quality lighting for their customer, with stock available for ongoing projects.
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Poor lighting caused parking lot safety issues for spectators. Our lighting plan & new lights resulted in an improved experience.
Customer needed to source large quantities of specialty fixtures for use in their manufactured products.
Tracy Electric was seeking a reliable source for ongoing lighting projects.
Distributors partner with us to provide customers a high quality product at a reasonable price.
Repeat lighting supplier for an electrical contractor working in manufacturing facilities.
Permanent tent lighting for large acrobatics facility. Our lighting plan & recommendations resulted in ideal performer & spectator safety.
Aircraft hangar lighting plans are designed to deliver safe, efficient, and uniform illumination for storage, maintenance, and inspection tasks. A well-executed lighting plan addresses fixture selection, placement, mounting height, and foot-candle requirements to support both general operations and detailed work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Aircraft Hangar Lighting Design?
Aircraft hangar lighting design uses advanced software to model aircraft hangars and calculate optimal fixture placement for maintenance and operational tasks. We determine the precise number of LED fixtures needed, their ideal locations, and ensure proper light balance across all work areas. Converting from metal halide and HPS lamps to LED improves energy efficiency, but proper design is essential to prevent poor uniformity and glare issues common in hangar retrofits.
We provide free custom lighting designs for our commercial lighting and industrial lighting clients, electricians, contractors, and ESCOs.
What Are the Lighting Standards for Aircraft Hangars?
- General Work/Storage: 30 foot-candles
- Aircraft Maintenance: 30-50 foot-candles
- Detailed Maintenance Tasks: 70-100 foot-candles
- Drilling/Riveting/Fastening: 75 foot-candles
- Final Assembly: 100 foot-candles
- Inspection Work: 50-200 foot-candles
- Welding Operations: 50 foot-candles
How Many Foot-Candles Do Aircraft Maintenance Hangars Need?
- Storage hangars require 30-50 foot-candles, while active maintenance facilities need 50-100 foot-candles, depending on task complexity.
- For dual-purpose use, designing to 50 foot-candles accommodates both storage and occasional maintenance work.
- Portable task lighting can supplement overhead fixtures for detailed work under wings and fuselage areas.
How Do You Reduce Glare in Hangar Lighting?
We specify acrylic domes or frosted lens covers on high bay fixtures to diffuse light and reduce direct glare. Ribbed optics and side shields help control light distribution and minimize side glare. Optimizing mounting height-typically between 20-30 feet-reduces glare while maintaining uniform coverage.
What Light Levels Are Needed for Aircraft Storage Only?
30-50 foot-candles provide adequate illumination for aircraft storage and basic movement operations. We recommend 50 foot-candles to allow flexibility for occasional maintenance tasks and ensure safe navigation around stored aircraft. This level supports compliance with general safety requirements and future operational changes.
Are Special Certifications Required for Hangar Lighting?
Fixtures must be UL Listed and rated for the hangar environment, but no aviation-specific certifications are required. All recommended fixtures meet commercial-grade standards suitable for aircraft maintenance facilities. Proper electrical code compliance and emergency lighting integration are essential for regulatory approval.
What Color Temperature Works Best for Aircraft Hangars?
4000K-5000K provides optimal color rendering for maintenance work while remaining comfortable for extended use. Fixtures with a minimum 70+ CRI ensure accurate color representation for paint matching and component inspection. Higher color temperatures can improve alertness and precision during detailed maintenance tasks without causing eye fatigue.
How Much Can LED Conversion Save on Hangar Lighting Costs?
LED conversion typically delivers 60-70% energy savings compared to metal halide systems, along with reduced maintenance costs. Most hangars see 2-4 year payback periods with fixture lifespans exceeding 50,000 hours. Our experience across thousands of commercial projects ensures optimal ROI through proper design and specification.
Can Existing Hangar Fixtures Be Retrofitted to LED?
Many existing fixtures can accommodate LED retrofit kits or lamp replacements, but complete fixture replacement often delivers better results. We evaluate current mounting points, electrical capacity, and light distribution requirements to recommend the most cost-effective approach. New LED fixtures provide superior light control and long-term reliability compared to retrofit solutions.
What Mounting Height Is Best for Hangar High Bay Lighting?
Most aircraft hangars require 20-40 foot mounting heights, depending on ceiling structure and aircraft size. We calculate optimal height based on beam angle, fixture spacing, and required foot-candle levels. Mounting too high reduces efficiency, while mounting too low can create shadows under aircraft wings and increase glare risk.
Do Aircraft Hangars Need Emergency Lighting Systems?
Building codes require emergency egress lighting and exit signs in all occupied aircraft hangars. We integrate battery backup systems or emergency generators to maintain minimum lighting during power outages. Emergency lighting must provide at least 1 foot-candle along egress paths for safe evacuation around aircraft and equipment.
How Do You Light Areas Under Aircraft Wings and Fuselage?
Strategic fixture placement and multi-directional lighting minimize shadows under aircraft components. We design with overlapping light patterns from multiple angles to reduce shadow zones. Portable work lights and under-wing lighting systems can supplement overhead fixtures for detailed maintenance tasks requiring precise illumination.
What Controls Are Recommended for Hangar Lighting Systems?
Zone switching allows the operation of only the required areas to maximize energy savings during limited use. Daylight harvesting controls automatically dim fixtures near overhead doors and skylights. Occupancy sensors work well in storage areas, while maintenance zones typically need manual switching for consistent lighting during extended work periods.
How Many Lights Do I Need for My Aircraft Hangar?
The number of fixtures required depends on the hangar’s size, ceiling height, and target foot-candle levels. A custom lighting plan calculates fixture quantity and placement to achieve uniform coverage and meet your operational needs. Providing your hangar dimensions and intended use allows us to deliver an accurate layout and fixture count.
How Far Apart Should Hangar Fixtures Be Spaced?
Fixture spacing is determined by mounting height, fixture output, and beam angle. For high bay LED fixtures in hangars, spacing typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 times the mounting height. Proper spacing ensures even light distribution and minimizes shadows, especially around aircraft and work zones.
What Factors Affect Aircraft Hangar Lighting Layout?
Key factors include hangar dimensions, ceiling height, aircraft size, work area locations, obstructions (such as cranes or beams), and the types of tasks performed. These variables influence fixture selection, placement, and aiming to achieve the required light levels and uniformity.
Do I Need a Custom Lighting Plan for My Hangar?
Yes, a custom lighting plan is strongly recommended for aircraft hangars. Every facility has unique requirements based on size, layout, and operational needs. A tailored plan ensures code compliance, safety, and optimal lighting performance-while helping you avoid costly mistakes or inadequate coverage.
What Type of Fixtures Are Best for Aircraft Hangars?
LED high bay fixtures are typically the best choice for aircraft hangars due to their high output, energy efficiency, and long lifespan. For areas requiring focused or supplemental lighting, linear LED fixtures or portable task lights can be used. Selecting fixtures with appropriate beam angles and glare control features is important for both safety and visual comfort.
Sample Hangar Lighting Plans and Heat Map
