Types of Airport Hangars: Which One Is Right for You?
The general public does not give much thought to the types of airport hangars available. Aircraft owners, however, want to protect their investment, while private jet charter companies aim to offer clients the most professional and comfortable service. Hangars make this possible.
Monmouth Jet Center at Monmouth Executive Airport, NJ, provides affordable hangar space. Our airport has the longest private runway in the country at over 7300 feet long, and our secondary runway is over 3500 feet long. Our FBO services are available 24/7. In this article, we discuss the various types of airport hangars and compare t-hangars to box hangars, so you can decide which one is right for you.
What Is an Airport Hangar and Its Purpose?
Airport hangars are large structures that can be permanent or temporary. Permanent hangars are made of metal and protect the multi-million dollar investments made on aircraft. They also offer space for aircraft maintenance, repair, and inspection. Corporate hangars often have office areas and on-site restrooms for clients and staff. Temporary hangars are made from fabric and used for military purposes, humanitarian assistance, or disaster relief.
Monmouth Jet Center offers hangars at competitive rates, and we are a great alternative to overcrowded airports like Morristown and Teterboro. We have large aircraft hangars with attached office space, t-hangars, and pre-built common-use hangars. Part 135 operators and corporate operators can design and build a custom hangar or do a build-out in existing buildings.
Common Types of Aircraft Hangars
Selecting the correct hangar for your purpose depends on the type and size of aircraft you want to house in the structure. You can choose between clear-span and multi-span hangars as well. Clear-span hangars provide unobstructed floor space for aircraft maintenance and storage as they don’t have internal supporting columns. They are ideal for larger aircraft or to accommodate multiple smaller airplanes. Several regulations govern the use of airport hangars, and research will show what requirements your proposed hangar must fulfil.
What are the different types of aircraft hangars used by private pilots and the various industries?
- Corporate hangars
- T-hangars
- Box hangars
- Helicopter hangars
- Maintenance hangars
- Military hangars
- Cargo hangars
- Temporary hangars
T-Hangars vs. Box Hangars: Key Differences
T-hangars and box hangars are two of the most common types of aircraft hangars. The Guidebook on General Aviation Facility Planning, compiled by the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) and sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), defines them, and we highlight the key differences:
T-hangars. Also called nested hangars, they are rectangular buildings often in the shape of a “T”. The building is divided into sections to store multiple smaller aircraft and has doors on both sides of the structure.
Box hangars. Also called conventional hangars, they have either a square or rectangular shape. Companies use the hangars to house corporate flight departments and accommodate vehicle parking near the hangar.
Specialized Hangars for Maintenance, Military, and Cargo
Maintenance hangars are large and incorporate ergonomic design to provide sufficient movement space and appropriate working heights. It minimizes the likelihood of worker fatigue and injuries. Military aircraft hangars are designed to accommodate various aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, and fighter jets. They can be permanent or temporary structures.
Cargo hangars are in great demand when we consider how many products are flown internationally and domestically. Memphis International Airport is the busiest cargo airport in North America and the second-busiest in the world. FedEx operates nearly four hundred flights per day from the airport and utilizes extensive space, including hangars. Requirements for cargo hangars include door clearance for loading and unloading, sufficient maneuvering space, and robust fire suppression systems.
Monmouth Executive Airport (KBLM) is a privately owned, public-use airport in New Jersey and just a few miles outside New York area “Class B” airspace. We are also only a 20-minute helicopter ride from the center of Manhattan. Contact us today for more information on our services and the type of airport hangars available.