Re-purposing Aircraft

A guide for the use of aircraft outside a museum setting

  Old buildings can be repurposed and their usefulness continued even though the original reason for the building has gone.

  There are many examples of this. Churches have been redeveloped as homes or offices, office buildings became homes etc.

  Aircraft can be repurposed too. Not all aircraft will end up in museums when their flying life is over but there is always a possibility that it might go there one day.

  Very large aircraft have been successfully converted into homes and restaurants.

  If it is intended to repurpose an aircraft, carefully consider how best to do it. If possible, do it in such a way that the structural integrity of the aircraft is maintained.

  Some aircraft undergo alterations that change the whole structure of the aircraft. Often, this can not be reversed and will one day result in it’s destruction rather   than potentially going into a museum.

  Use these guidelines to help you decide how to progress with your re-purposing.

  Positioning

  Ideally, do not relocate airframes near trees. If this is not possible, remove overhanging branches that might pose a future risk.

  Trees and boughs are very heavy and storms could bring them down, damaging the airframe.

  Leaves blow into spaces and tree sap drops onto exposed surfaces, algae grows and inhibits cleaning.

  Birds and vermin can also take up residence.

  Remove all natural debris.

Lock all control surfaces

Ailerons will rise up and down and rudders will turn due to wind.

The possibility of this happening will increase as their control cables deteriorate.

Flying surfaces don't stop developing lift just because the aircraft is on the ground and vertical tails still have a sizeable keel area. Where possible, ensure that the aircraft is pointing into the prevailing wind.

Fit suitable control locks to hold the control surfaces safely.

Support

Use axle stands if possible to support undercarriages, taking the weight off the tyres.

Flat tyres can rot wuickly and are visually distressing. Foam filling tyres will help extend their life

Consider fitting spacer clamps to oleos to stop them bouncing.

Reinforce structural elements from inside if possible

It is advisable to protect internal structures (wings etc are really important) with an anti-corrosion product like ACF50. It's expensive, but much cheaper than having to do major repairs or, worse, having to scrap the aircraft because it's rotted from the inside out.

A bit contentious with purists but the lightweight construction to enable flight is no longer a constraint on grounded aircraft, so consider using stronger, heavier materials on wing roots, tail booms etc. Use jointing compound to reduce the effect of dissimilar metal corrosion.

Check CofG if engines are removed, dedicated tail or nose supports may be necessary.

Fluids

Draining fluids, which should then be disposed of safely, reduces corrosion and risk to visitors.

All aeroplanes leak, so in addition to good ventilation you may need de-humidification, especially in areas like freight holds and under-belly areas.

Ensure that drain holes at the lowest points of those spaces are kept clear. This is especially important if an aircraft is going to have people staying in it, boiling kettles etc, and if there's going to be some form of heating for cold weather, baths or showers as these will all produce condensation.

Consider evacuation routes for all

At least two doors, one at the front and one at the rear of the useable internal area may be required for escape in emergencies, more if the aircraft is large.

Seal all potential openings and gaps to prevent entry of birds, mice, lizards, rats and insects.  They can get in through the tiniest of gaps.

Fire protection

Select appropriate extinguishers and agree safe capacity limits.

Power supply protection

If external mains power is required, circuit breakers and buried armoured cable should be used. Mains wiring, lighting and sockets must be fitted by qualified electricians in accordance with current legislation.

Earth all individual aircraft structures thoroughly to ground.  If the aircraft has been parked for a long time don't rely on all the individual parts of the structure still being electrically conductive at the joints.

Be careful when using mains electricity on board aircraft, especially if you are putting 240V bulbs behind original fascias etc, as some can produce much more heat than the original low-voltage lights - LED lights are a good, if expensive, low-temperature solution.

In general, it is better (safer) to go for all-new electrics rather than trying to use transformers to step down to 115Vac/28Vdc and using the aircraft's original wiring.

Public Access

Consider access for external and/or internal public viewing if safe to do so.

Determine maximum numbers admitted at any one time.

Prepare risk assessments and consider a safe internal cleaning regime to include any medical requirements (e.g.Covid-19).

Maintenance

Prepare an ongoing programme for repainting, cleaning bird droppings, clearing mould growth, grass cutting and general washing.

Archive/record erection/assembly/modifications

Keep a full record of work done and changes made. A photographic record of work being carried out could be invaluable for future reference.

Cockpit

Try not to disturb flight decks, possible guest photo opportunities.

The area may need screening if radioactive or unsafe but it’s likely to be a popular attraction if facilitated safely – selfies?

Some alternative uses

School entrance