Although winter’s official start begins Dec. 21, many aircraft owners have already chosen to park their planes. If you’re among these ranks, or perhaps considering storage options for the near future, there are several important points to keep in mind when storing your plane.

In the article “A Long Winter’s Nap” in the November/December 2009 issue of FAA Aviation News, author Suzanne Mejia points out several items to consider when preparing for long- or short-term aircraft storage. Are you going to store the aircraft yourself or pay a storage company to do it for you? Will the aircraft be stored in a hangar, on the ramp, or at tie-downs? And how long do you plan to store it? Periodic inspections should also be a part of your storage plan, which allow you to check up on the locks, chocks, and covers, and if needed, start up the engine.

Mejia also suggests identifying and analyzing any potential hazards that might damage or jeopardize the security of your aircraft while in storage. Validating this risk assessment will help you determine if your plan is working and if you’ve got everything covered. “There well may be hazards that you did not recognize or identify during the first effort.” says Mejia.

To read this article, go to: FAA.gov/news/aviation_news.