Hangar Door – Aircraft Hangar Doors Construction Manual
Hangar Doors Construction Guide
Before building a hangar door, first a pole evaluate the current state of airport or fleet, its operation and the feasibility of building a new hangar door. This includes the qualification of demand and requirements for aircraft hangars, assessment of the environment in which the project is carried out and assistance to key decision-makers & familiarize with the requirements of the FAA and the regulations governing the development of the airport and the construction of aircraft hangars.
Before going any further, identify the key persons who can help. These people could include:
- airport managers
- Representatives of the city
- Airport engineers
- airport consultants
- the local organization of the EAA
- other hangars owner
Research is the key
Start with an inspection of the waiting list of the aircraft hangar. If an airport does not have one, determine hangar space needed. Connect with those who show interest, learn about their commitment and plans for the future, and how much they are willing to spend.
This is market research. Is customer interested in other places? Some people have their names on multiple waiting lists throughout the state. Does customer own a plane right now? decide this first to qualify these people, it must be verified.
Another way to gauge people’s interest in a hangar waiting list is to request a financial contribution for each listing.
The type of hangar depends on tenants and what is best in the airport. For example, interlocking T-sheds attract tenants because they offer the best weather protection for the least possible return. Coffered sheds generally attract owners with more money and bigger planes.
These sheds are often more expensive to build, but they also generate significant revenue and should take much longer. Box sheds can also provide car washes, a conference room or a room for repairs and revisions of Hangar doors construction.
Planning is the key
Hangar doors construction Make sure to speak with local tenants, the airport manager, local EAA, etc.
Elements to consider
The search for the environment in which one wants to build is probably the most important element that can be overlooked. Airport supporters often believe that development will be easy and successful when the demand for space in aircraft hangars is high. Not always! Before looking for financing search for all the items at the airport. These elements include:
Support for airport owners: Whether it’s a private or public airport, help, and support needed to succeed. Key people to reach the airport manager, planning department, and city or county members. If an airport commission exists, please contact them!
Community Supporters: If the community does not support the project, it will be much more difficult. If the airport was good for the community in the past, feel comfortable with them. Do not accept it simply because ideas do not contain any complaints from the community & get support. Check with online forums, local newspapers and local residents to find out what people think about plans.
The Airport Master Plan: The airport should have a current FAA approved master plan, and show the airport’s ability to develop and plans for completion. It also shows an airport layout scheme. It is important that aircraft hangar project is highlighted in this management plan during the planning phase.
Zoning or land usage: The airport or city will have a plan from which to develop its own airport. Some areas will be available for aircraft hangars, others for commercial development, gas, combinations, etc. Some should be listed as permissions and should be free of any development or design. If there is not yet an area to develop a hangar, contact the airport manager. AOPA will also be a useful contact – Talk to Noise and Land Department.
Design Standards: Design standards do not apply to any airport. Some airports will have preferred architects and engineering offices for aircraft hangar projects. These companies will know the size, shape, design, door styles, etc. Get contact information from AeroDoors at a very early stage to make sure the right door choice is made. The airport manager may have a list of “favorite design agencies”.
Tenant Support: Although the waiting list in the hangar of the aircraft can wait to finish development, others may not show the same enthusiasm. For example, an existing hangar developer at the airport can see one as a threat. It is important that, determine the competition and ask for the opinion of others. first, a pole know what support is needed to overcome the competition.
Availability of funding: Existing airport revenues will be the main source of funding. Examples include state aviation, municipal bonds or private loans. Take a look at the FAA Airport Improvement Program.
Aircraft Tugs
Aircraft tugs are not the most exciting thing to read about. However, if you are considering the purchase of an aircraft, it’s important to plan how you will move the aircraft in and out of your hangar. Ideally, this decision is made before your aircraft arrives. So, this article will offer a little advice on the subject of aircraft tugs.
Most airports have multi-tenant and or community hangars. Some airports will offer – through an FBO (fixed based operator) services to reposition your aircraft in and out of the community hangar. Some will even allow the aircraft owners to keep their personal tugs on site to move their own aircraft. However, most aircraft owners (individual & small business) will prefer their very own private facility – either a tee hangar or a free standing private hangar.
There are many reasons to consider having an aircraft tug as an alternative to physically pushing or pulling the aircraft by yourself or with the help of others. The single biggest reason is to prevent damage to the aircraft let alone one’s self. I learned this lesson the hard way while accepting help to move a Stearman.
Inevitably, with or without help, you stand the risk of damaging your aircraft when moving it without a tug. Why? Because you or the person helping may end up pushing and pulling at different points on the aircraft not intended for that type of force. The subsequent repairs can easily exceed the investment of an aircraft tug.
Typically, you have three choices of operation when considering the purchase of a tug for your craft. You may choose between manual, electric and gasoline powered tugs. For this article I am referring to the type of aircraft tug you walk behind.
Manual tugs are used for very light aircraft on smooth surfaces that have minimal incline. This is a very cost effective way to move your aircraft and negates the help of others. Electric tugs range in size and horsepower and will move most aircraft up to 16,000lbs.
Gasoline powered tugs range in size and horsepower as well and offer a nice alternative to electric when a power source is not available to keep an electric tug charged. Both will offer the ability of forward and reverse operation. My own experience says it comes down to merely personal preference between electric or gasoline tugs.
However, if your hangar is not climate controlled and or you’re located in the colder parts of the country, a gasoline tug may be the better choice as battery operated aircraft tugs tend to lose performance in extended cold environments.
All aircraft tugs manufactured in the market place will not fit all aircraft. It’s important to confirm compatibility before purchasing a tug including but not limited to the aircraft model, weight, nose wheel (with or without a fairing), tail wheel size as well as the specific dimensions under your aircraft from the nose and the tail of the aircraft to the center point of the gear. This will aid in determining the fit and confirming the necessary clearance to successfully operate a tug with your aircraft.
The aircraft tug is the most important compliment to your hangar not to mention your aircraft of course.
