Guide to packing & crating aircraft parts

Unless you’re heavily involved in the aircraft industry in some way, you probably haven’t thought about the proper ways of packing & crating aircraft parts. In fact, you may not have considered that they ever need to be packed and crated at all. So if you’re just now getting into aircrafts as a hobby, learning to pilot, or if you have another reason for needing to ship aircraft parts all of a sudden, you’re probably at a loss as to how to do it properly. Luckily, international commercial movers have been doing this for years and can offer some excellent advice. With these tips, you’ll be ready to ship your parts in no time!

Who can benefit from knowing the proper ways of packing & crating aircraft parts?

Most people don’t really need to know how to pack, crate or ship aircraft parts. But those who do need to know, need to know this very well because aircraft parts can come in various shapes and sizes which are not easy to pack, are often sensitive to all kinds of damage, and are usually so crucial to the safety of an aircraft that even a minor problem can spell disaster. So who can benefit from learning more about how to pack and crate aircraft parts?

• prospective or current business owners working in the aviation field
• movers and packers who offer international services to businesses that deal with aircraft parts
• aviation enthusiasts looking to build or maintain their own aircraft
• collectors and other hobbyists working with aircraft parts
• just about anyone who likes learning useful skills!

A how-to guide for packing & crating aircraft parts

Most of the time, vehicles are transported in one piece. That’s why preparing for international car transportation doesn’t include breaking your car down into parts. Additionally, in many cases, it is possible and even preferable to simply drive the vehicle to your new destination instead of having it moved. But in the case of aircraft, odds are that certain parts need replacing. Those parts tend to be very specifically shaped and often require special care for transportation. For this reason, shipping aircraft parts is a pretty big deal that you should not take lightly.

First, take into consideration why you’re packing the parts

The first thing you want to think about is for what purpose you are planning on packing & crating aircraft parts. If you want to put them in storage, then your main concern should be about preserving them in good condition for later use. This includes, for example, protecting them from moisture. If you’re planning on shipping aircraft parts, however, you should worry more about the turbulence they are going to experience during transportation.

Additionally, when you’re packing aircraft parts for shipping, you need to worry about how long the trip is and how fast they need to arrive. This will affect the type of shipping you select and limit your choice of carriers as well. But it can also affect your packing process. Aircraft parts require special materials that you probably don’t have on hand. So if you need things done urgently, you should probably leave everything to professionals.

Next, calculate the costs and prepare your budget

The next step will be to prepare for the expenses of packing, crating, and storing or shipping aircraft parts. This is probably not going to come as a surprise to you, but shipping things, especially across long distances and especially if they require special care, can be quite expensive. You’ll need to account for the exact weight of the item you’re shipping, the distance you’re shipping to, the packing materials you’re using, the potential services that you’re paying others for, the costs of storage if you’re using it and the costs of transportation. If you’re shipping through a freight carrier, you can probably find a calculator on their website. If you’re using commercial movers, you should ask for an estimate.

Then, get the right tools and equipment

One of the most important steps when packing anything is gathering the packing supplies. Sometimes, you won’t need much more than a regular box or crate. If you’re shipping very small parts, for example, all you need to do is wrap them securely, put them in a box and fill it with shredded paper or packing peanuts to ensure it doesn’t move around much. But if you’re dealing with something like a propeller, you’re going to need specialty crates made specifically for these items. You can ask packing and crating professionals for advice or search for the right tools online.

In some cases, you will need help

In cases where you need to pack big or heavy parts, you may need help packing them. Friends, family members or colleagues can help you carry things, wrap them, pack them and ship them. However, if you’re finding this task too difficult, you can always hire professionals to handle the packing and crating for you.

Remember to follow the rules and regulations

The global standards of aviation are regulated by the IATA – the International Air Transport Association. They also provide the regulations for the shipping of aircraft parts. One of these, for example, is that you must declare any hazardous, flammable, or otherwise potentially dangerous parts that you’re transporting. There are also many state and country laws regarding the shipping and delivery of aircraft parts. So make sure to do your research about both local and international rules regarding the items you’re packing if you plan on shipping them anywhere!

When in doubt, leave the packing & crating aircraft parts to professionals!

Finally, you must keep in mind that packing & crating aircraft parts is not like your usual packing and crating. It often requires a lot more specific equipment and even more work. If you’re not sure that you’re up for the job, it might be best to get in touch with movers who can handle this kind of packing and shipping for you.