Aircraft parking procedures vary per OEM and aircraft type. However, in general, one rule always applies: is the aircraft going to be parked longer than seven days, a set of procedures must be followed to help prevent deterioration of structure, engines and systems. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) supports the industry with global standards for managing airworthiness for operations. In most cases this includes entering the aircraft into a storage program with some aircraft types having the option to maintain a ready-for-flight condition.
The maintenance manual provides operators with detailed aircraft parking procedures and instructions for storage. In order to preserve the safety, airworthiness and value of the aircraft it is essential that these procedures are followed. The first thing that goes into parking an airplane long-term is the weather. Continuous exposure to freezing temperatures can damage tires. In addition, the moisture in the air can result in corrosion. Because of this, most aircraft are sent to aircraft storage locations in dry climates with little precipitation.
Within some return to service programs the removal of all rack-mounted electronic packages is required for the inspection of their condition, cleanliness, and signs of corrosion. Other tasks, depending on aircraft maintenance history, include installing landing gear safety pins, entry into the fuel tanks, as well as periodic power up of required systems. Return to service programs can also require gear retraction tests which then ideally require a hangar slot.