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So, with the obvious surge expected in smart homes, we wondered is there work toward “smart hangars?” The buildings we house our pricy and pre- cious f lying investments? Fortunately, in recent years, several companies have entered the industry with that very mission of integrating technol- ogy between pilot-owners and hangars. Below, we explore three of those com- panies: HangarBot, HangarStack and Hangar Tonight. HangarBot Since launching in 2016, HangarBot has developed multiple new products to automate the everyday pilot’s life. It is the company’s mission to help bring the aviation industry into a more con- nected era and has since partnered with well-known brands like Tanis Aircraft preheating systems and Schweiss Doors for automated hangar solutions. The company’s first product was the remote door controller. Pilot and HangarBot founder Morgan Walker (also featured in this issue’s “Five on the Fly”) wanted a sim- ple way to open the hangar door as he taxied in, or even from home. Once he found success in this goal, Walker decided he wanted to take on other problems pilots face during pre-f light and post-flight related to the hangar. To- day, the company offers around a dozen product offerings that help aviators take control of their aircraft and its environ- ment, including the HangarBot Hub, Industrial Outlet, Door Sensor, Ther- mostat and Security Camera. The HangarBot Hub (4G and Wi-Fi versions) is an internet-connected de- vice embedded with a 24/7 video sur- veillance camera and motion detection that will send notifications directly to your smartphone. The HangarBot Industrial Smart Outlet allows pilots to preheat their airplane’s engine from anywhere, and can also turn on or off lights, fans, batteries, etc. The HangarBot Door Sensor adds a security element by sending notifica- tions to the user when their door is open, closed or left ajar. The HangarBot Thermostat allows for remote monitor- ing and control of the hangar’s cen- tral temperature, allowing aviators to crank up the heat while on their way to the airport. And, the soon-to- be-released HangarBot Weatherproof Camera complements the Central Hub camera by allowing for multiple views indoors or out. “Saving time in pre-flight and giving peace of mind, any aviator can find a use for HangarBot in their hangar,” said Kendra Garrison, the company’s marketing coordinator. “This was built as an out-of-the-box solution that just plugs in and works right away. Easy installation does not require permanent changes to the hangar and most products are mounted with magnets.” Imagine this scenario: A man walks down the stairs in his home while on his cell phone. With a few clicks, he activates his aircraft’s engine preheater through the product’s app. The app then alerts him that motion is detected in his hangar, which he confirms is his mechanic after a quick phone call. While on his way to the airport, the hangar fan and coffeepot are turned thanks to geo-fencing technology. This is just one example of how the product can benefit pilots looking to streamline their workloads. “Our company was built from tak- ing in customer feedback and growing from there,” said Walker. “HangarBot never wants to stop making the pilot’s lives easier and safer.” Available on: iOS More information: www.hangarbot.com HangarStack Created to maximize hangar revenue at FBOs, HangarStack is also a great tool for small aircraft owners looking to best position their airplane(s) and other objects within their hangar. “Our program allows parties to prevent hangar rash with the capa- bility to pre-plan aircraft movements digitally prior to any aircraft being moved,” said Mike Partin, HangarStack sales manager. This is accomplished through a scale size, simulated hangar that allows users to “stack” aircraft inside of it. Pricing is dependent upon hangar size and other factors, with a one-time setup fee. For an additional fee, HangarStack users can also add custom-drawn objects to 12 • TWIN & TURBINE / April 2020 HangarStack HangarBot