How to Evaluate Aircraft Hail Damage
Hail damage on a small personal aircraft may be anything from insignificant dings to total destruction. Evaluating damage you may have sustained during a hailstorm helps you determine if the plane is safe to fly, needs heavy repair or needs to be scrapped. Notify your insurance company no matter the extent of the damage, and it will do its own evaluation -- but having some knowledge yourself will allow you to properly asses the situation.
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Instructions
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Check for structural or frame damage first. This determines the integrity of the aircraft. Be sure nothing is bent or broken in the framework of the plane, including the wings and tail.
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Check for engine and propeller damage. Breaks and large dents in the propeller usually call for replacement. The propeller blades must remain true to prevent further damage should a blade hit the nose structure. Engine damage is usually obvious and marked by sparking or smoking, or refusal to run. Go over the engine/s with a fine tooth comb to be certain they are working properly.
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Check for breaks and breaches in the skin of the plane, as well as the glass in the windshield. These are usually cosmetic in nature and easily enough repaired and replaced.
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Tips & Warnings
Minor hail damage is common in aircraft. Weathering a hailstorm does not necessarily mean your plane is a write-off.
Have only certified parties give the final word on your aircraft's air-worthiness. Flying a damaged plane may result in death.
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