Tag Archives: aviation

The P-51 Mustang

11 April 2023 Around the Airport

Aviation and history enthusiasts are probably well aware of the P-51 Mustang, known as one of the most famous fighter planes from World War II. In this article we’ll discuss the history of this incredible aircraft including what makes it so special, and share where you can see one today. For any questions please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center.

History of the P-51 Mustang

In the late 1930’s when war was looking increasingly likely in Europe, the British Royal Air Force needed to enhance the strength of its fighter fleet. Looking to North American Aviation to develop something groundbreaking. On October 26, 1940, infamous test pilot Vance Breese flew the first P-51 prototype and reached an incredible speed of 382 miles per hour, which outperformed the Spitfire. And on that day the P-51 Mustang was born.

How Many Exist Today?

During WWII approximately 15,000 P-51 Mustangs were produced. Today, however, there are around 150 airworthy aircraft remaining, and they’re located around the world either in museums, flying, or are being restored. Because the P-51 Mustang is considered such a crucial piece of flight history, many of the surviving aircraft are on display in museums or via private collectors. They are incredibly valuable and a very special piece of American history. If you’re ever presented with the chance to see one in person, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity!

What Makes the P-51 Mustang So Special?

The aircraft achieved speeds of over 400 miles per hour, much faster than any existing aircraft at that time.
Its low-cost, long-range, and high speeds made it the ideal aircraft to escort bombers in and out of Germany, while also wrestling with German fighters who attempted to attack the bombers.
It could carry 1,000 pounds of cargo, enabling it to also act as a fighter.

Where to find a P-51 Mustang today

As mentioned above, there are around 150 surviving P-51 Mustang aircraft around the world today. Some are on display in aviation museums in countries including Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, The Philippines, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Privately owned P-51 Mustangs are sometimes featured at local and national airshows, giving audiences a rare chance to see one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history, and to see one in flight is truly a memory to be treasured.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.

How To Prepare an Aircraft for Long Term Storage

12 July 2022 Around the Airport

As most pilots would agree they want to fly as often as possible, however life sometimes has other plans. If you find yourself needing long term storage for your aircraft, there are a few things you should consider. If you don’t already keep your aircraft in a hangar when you’re not using it, you should consider renting a hanger as it will best protect your investment. Leaving an aircraft on an outside tie down long term, while not using it often is a recipe for additional maintenance costs.

Hanger Space is your Best Option

If you won’t be using your aircraft for the foreseeable future, hangar space is the best option to protect your plane from elements like moisture which can cause multiple hush cost problems, birds looking for refuge and even sun damage which can fade your paint job, and the interior of your aircraft. The rent you pay for a hangar could pale in comparison to the kinds of expensive repairs an inactive plan stuck outside may need in 6 months. Inside a hanger you will keep your aircraft safe and keep the maintenance bill as low as possible.

What to Consider When Looking for a Hangar

Generally you can look at a wider range of airport locations when shopping for the best deal on hangars for storage, because proximity isn’t as important as it would be for frequent fliers. Monmouth Airport actually houses a number of aircraft for NY based clientele who enjoy the lower hangar rents than NY area airports, but they can still get from the city to their jet in an hour by car, or 20 minutes by helicopter.

Additionally, hangar spaces come in different sizes, so it’s important to make sure you get something big enough to comfortably house your aircraft but also not so big that you are paying for wasted space. All hangar spaces should offer electricity and water, if you need to vacuum, wash, or preheat and charge your aircraft battery. Some hangars at Monmouth Airport are also heated or come with a small flight office particularly helpful for small commercial operators.

Hangars at Monmouth Jet Center

Monmouth Jet Center has affordable hangars available where you will be paying a fraction of the price they charge at a busy airport like Teterboro. Additionally in most cases you don’t have to be on a waiting list for a hangar, they normally have them available immediately. Because you choose to store your aircraft at a smaller airport, you also enjoy lower fuel costs and a more relaxed class 2 airspace compared to the hectic airspace at a busy NY airport. Give our experts at Monmouth Jet Center a call today to answer any questions.

Key Features To Include In Your Aircraft Hangar Design

5 April 2022 General

Making the decision to design and build an aircraft hangar is a big undertaking, so it requires plenty of research to ensure that the final result meets your needs. Whether you’re well-versed in aircraft hangar design or you’re just starting out, our team here at Monmouth Jet Center has some tips to get you going in the right direction. If you have any questions please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Your Requirements Will Determine The Design

All hangar sites have specific requirements that must be adhered to. Common requirements include:

A certain percentage of the block can be covered by the building
You can only build so close to the boundaries of the envelope
Adherence to fire restrictions like insulated walls or fire-proof concrete walls, and ensuring your hangar is a certain distance way from any others
Waste water requirements that determine where stormwater and other drainage flows

Your aircraft requirements will also determine the design, like the size and model. Ask your local airport about city and federal requirements for aircraft hangar design so you can better understand what regulations you’ll need to abide by.

Special Considerations

When building custom hangar space, you can add in any special additions you might like to have. This includes things like a small kitchen where people can prepare food and drinks, a toilet, an office or workshop space, and an adjoining lounge area with WiFi.

While many people think aircraft hangars are purely functional, the reality is that if you own or hire a private aircraft, there may be times where you and your guests are spending time in the hangar, so it’s best to make it as comfortable as possible.

Choose To Rent? Airplane Hangar Space In NJ

If you’re not ready to build your own custom hangar space, you can always rent. Renting is ideal because you know you’ll always have a place for your aircraft, but you won’t be responsible for the hangar maintenance and the upkeep.

At Monmouth Jet Center we have numerous hangar spaces for rent, and since we’re conveniently located in New Jersey, our executive airport is perfect for weekend trips to New York, or many of the other nearby destinations.

For more information about aircraft hangar design, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.

What you can and cannot do inside an aircraft hangar

8 March 2022 Monmouth Jet Center

You’ll find aircraft hangars at almost all airports, both larger commercial airports and smaller executive airports like Monmouth Jet Center. If an airport has received grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it must abide by the federal regulations regarding proper aircraft hangar usage. In this article our team will discuss the primary uses of aircraft hangers, as well as their limitations. If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact us at Monmouth Jet Center.

What is the primary purpose of an aircraft hangar?

The primary purpose of an aircraft hangar is aircraft storage. At smaller regional airports you can find hangar space available for rent, sometimes for purchase, and for those who are serious about flying you can even build a custom aircraft hangar with a land lease.

Many flying hobbyists and frequent flyers prefer to use executive airports instead of large commercial ones because there’s rarely a wait for hangar space, and smaller airports can more readily cater to your needs. Conveniently, you can have your aircraft serviced while it’s in the hangar, ensuring it’s in top condition and ready to go upon your return.

Aircraft hangar limitations

Under FAA guidelines, aircraft hangars cannot be used for the following purposes:

Operating a non-aviation business, like a car rental service, a storage facility for anything other than aircraft
Storing aircraft parts and materials (unless it is accompanied by an air worthy aircraft)
Long-term storage for aircraft that are out of service or no longer able to fly
Storage for explosive, corrosive, or otherwise dangerous materials and substances
Anything that blocks the entrance to the hangar, obstructing the aircraft’s path from entering and exiting the space
As a residence
For any activities that are deemed illegal by state and local laws
For storing large items that should be stored in a commercial storage facility, like furniture or cars
Any activities that disrupt and obstruct nearby hangars

Whether you are looking to rent an aircraft hangar for long-term use, or you’re interested in building a custom hangar for your personal aircraft, Monmouth Jet Center will help you find the option that works best for you.

For more information about aircraft hangars, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Jet service and hangar space – rent or build?

7 December 2021 Hangar Space

If you’re in the market for aircraft hangar space then you have several options: renting, buying, or building. Your aircraft is a big investment and having a safe place to store it is essential. In this article, our NJ team at Monmouth Jet Center explores the various options available to you when it comes to acquiring hangar space.

Investor owned or leased?

If you want to invest in your own aircraft hangar, you always have the option to lease it when you’re not using it. Many investors negotiate ground leases with local aircraft owners who need hangar space. And at smaller airports like Monmouth Jet Center, you’ll never have to put your name on a waiting list or wonder if there will be space for your aircraft.

Advantages of owning a hangar

When you own a private hangar you can customize it to your exact specifications. You’ll never need to negotiate any hangar leases or worry about finding hangar space to rent, and you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your aircraft is completely secure. Another advantage of owning a hangar is you always have the option to rent it out in the future, earning you extra income.

The cost of building your own facility

Costs vary depending on your needs, but as a general rule, you can expect to spend $22 per square foot when building a custom aircraft hangar. It’s important to understand that when you build your own facility, you will technically own the hangar, but you’ll still be leasing the ground it’s built on. You’ll also be responsible for insurance costs, maintenance costs, repairs, and any upgrades you decide on.

The benefits of leasing space

Leasing can be a convenient option if you aren’t ready for the responsibility of owning your own hangar. Each airport has its own terms and conditions with ground leases, and at Monmouth we do our best to accommodate your needs and your schedule.

If you’d like to know more about renting or building custom hangar space, or if you have any questions about our airport, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.