Electric Fans in Airplane Hangar

[Dale]

Does anyone know if it is a problem to leave an electric fan on in a hangar with their airplane?  I wanted to do this to circulate the air in the hangar because it is so hot but have been told that this may not be a good idea.  If anyone has any thoughts on this, I would appreciate the feedback.  Thanks.

[1964-M20E]

I do not see that as a problem unless you are putting it in the cabin and then maybe.  I've heard that draping an extension cord over the plane or using a vacuum cleaner nearby/in the plane could affect the compass.

[John Pleisse]

My experience has been even the smallest air movement in the hangar sucks in dust and debris. The more it blows or vacums.....the more crap you draw in. How hot does it get??

[Dale]

It gets to about 105 degrees in the hangar here in Florida.  I have seen others use them, but have not seen any additional dust or debris in others hangars, as the hangar doors are closed shut.  This is just to circulate the air around in the hangar.  It seems that things deteriorate more quickly when the air just stagnates and is not circulated.

[fantom]

I've probably burned 4 large fans up, over the past 13 years at the same airport. Conclusion...the only time time they help is when the door is open to keep us cool. What they circulate in a closed hanger, is dust.

[flyboy0681]

Our hangar has had a fan for a long time. No ill effects reported.

[laytonl]

I've seen fans catch fire.  I don't think I would leave a fan on in the hanger unattended.  Lee

[jetdriven]

if the door is shut and the temp inside is 90 degrees, isnt the fan simply circulating 90 degree air?  Am I missing something?

[Ron McBride]

 I would suggest a wind turbine or 2 on the roof to let the ehat excape.  You are going to need to have air come in, so that it can escape.All hangers seem to allow dust to enter. You could try to control some of this with weatherstripping. Most airports are dusty places.

Ron