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High Demand and Waiting Lists Leave Aircraft Owners in Limbo - The shortage of aircraft hangars is causing a ripple effect in the aviation industry, with high demand far outpacing the limited supply. This scarcity has significant economic implications, affecting various stakeholders, from aircraft owners to regional economies.Surveys Reveals Disturbing Trends
Surveys conducted among aviation communities and airport authorities have unveiled alarming statistics that underscore the severity of the problem. One such survey involved over 700 AOPA Airport Support Network volunteers and revealed that a staggering 71 percent of the surveyed airports reported having waiting lists for their hangars. The fact that 72% of aircraft owners on the waiting list had to endure agonizing wait times ranging from six months to more than two years was even more worrisome.
The problem was made worse by the subpar condition of the available hangars. Only 8 percent of the surveyed hangars were in "excellent" condition, while a substantial 36 percent were found to need "some" or "major" repair. This situation leaves aircraft owners in a precarious position, with prolonged waiting times and uncertain hangar conditions.
Concrete Realities: Illuminating the Hangar Scarcity Challenge
The implications of this issue are painfully evident in real-world scenarios. DeKalb-Peachtree Airport north of Atlanta once had a staggering seven-year waiting list for county-run hangars, which subsequently stretched to a mind-boggling 15 years. In one poignant case, an aircraft owner who had deposited for a hangar in 2000 received a notification in 2015 that a hangar was available for his 1968 Mooney M20C—by that time, he had already sold the aircraft and relocated.
Dual Challenges: Cost Escalation and Geographic Disparities
Escalating costs are another concern. At DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, newer hangars equipped with electric doors cost approximately $100 more per month than their manual door counterparts. Larger hangars, suitable for accommodating big twins or turboprops, commanded monthly rents of $839. This places a substantial financial burden on aircraft owners and aviation businesses alike.
Furthermore, regional disparities compound the issue. In the Northeast, where space is at a premium, finding affordable hangar space is a formidable challenge. For instance, Pilots to the Rescue founder Michael Schneider had to settle for a $1,000 monthly rent at Essex County Airport in New Jersey, a cost that can be prohibitive for many aviation enthusiasts.
Unique Needs Demand Special Attention
Aircraft owners with unique needs are particularly affected by hangar scarcity. Vintage and fabric-covered airplanes require hangar storage to protect them from weather damage and UV exposure, which could necessitate costly repairs or re-covering. Owners of aircraft with integral "wet-wing" fuel tanks also benefit from covered protection to prevent fuel tank leaks—a repair that can cost thousands of dollars.
The Domino Scarcity Ripple Effect on Aircraft Hangar Construction
Several challenges contribute to the scarcity of hangars, including a lack of funding and limited grant availability for hangar construction. Costs related to site development, insurance, engineering, architectural design, and building code compliance add to the hurdles. Moreover, concerns about recouping development costs at current lease rates create hesitancy among airport authorities to invest in new hangar facilities.
Strategies to Tackle the Aircraft Hangar Construction Challenges
Recognizing the gravity of the issue, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has taken proactive steps to address the hangar scarcity problem. They are collaborating with state aviation directors to assess the supply of hangars and develop solutions. By engaging with aviation stakeholders and advocating for policy changes, AOPA is committed to easing the burden on aircraft owners and fostering a more sustainable aviation ecosystem.
Conclusion
Aircraft hangar scarcity has become a pressing issue that carries substantial economic implications. With waiting lists, rising costs, and regional variations in availability, aircraft owners are grappling with significant challenges. But groups like AOPA are actively looking for ways to make sure that aviation is both accessible and profitable.
This problem serves as a reminder of the value of making infrastructure investments in the aviation sector in order to sustain its expansion and resilience. One viable option that's gaining attention is the use of pre-engineered metal buildings. Companies like Rapidset Buildings offer a range of metal buildings tailored to aviation needs, including aircraft hangars. These structures provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional hangar construction, addressing some of the challenges mentioned in the earlier article. With the flexibility and durability of metal buildings, they can serve as a promising solution to alleviate the economic burden and uncertainty faced by aircraft owners and aviation communities.