Where Should You Hangar Your Aircraft?

Jun 9, 2016
When purchasing an aircraft, many individuals do not give much thought to where the new craft will be kept. Purchase price, maintenance, aircraft insurance, certifications, and many other considerations are prioritized, but where to hangar the new aircraft is often one of the last issues to be sorted out. This may be a mistake, as it is not always easy to figure out the best place for the new aircraft. If you are just looking into purchasing a new aircraft, consider the following options when deciding where to keep your purchase.

Shared Airport Hangar

A shared airport hangar is a relatively cost effective solution that will keep the aircraft protected from the elements. The cost of housing an aircraft in a shared hangar at an airport may vary widely depending on the local demand for hangaring services. It is important to shop around and consider price and convenience. In some cases, maintenance services and other services may be offered along with storage, which may make it worth it to pay higher prices. One downside of utilizing a shared hangar is the potential for “hangar rash”. This term is used to describe minor damage causes by accidents when moving aircraft around in the hangar. To save space, many hangars are filled to capacity, making it necessary to move aircraft around in order to reach a specific plane.

Individual Rented Hangar

Renting an entire hangar may eliminate the potential for hangar rash and other types of damage, but can be much more costly. In some areas, it may not be possible to find an individual hangar to rent. Renting a hangar makes the most sense for individuals that own more than one aircraft, although this may also be a good option for aircraft owners for whom cost is not a concern or who are very protective of their investment.

Outdoor Tie-Down

Fastening an aircraft to the ground in a designated outdoor area can keep the aircraft from sustaining damage due to tipping and strong winds. This option is often much less expensive than using any kind of hangar option for storage. However, the aircraft will be exposed to the elements. Planes that are stored outdoors may require more maintenance and may sustain more wear than those that are hangared regularly.

Hangar Home

For pilots that travel very frequently or that do not trust alternative hangaring options, a hangar home may be the best solution. Homes that have airplane hangars attached are becoming more widely available, though these homes are only in specific areas and are usually quite a bit pricier than standard homes. Purchasing a hangar home may help to avoid the issues associated with shared hangar space and tie-downs, and may eventually save aircraft owners money on rental fees. Hangar homes are also very convenient. If you are looking into purchasing an aircraft, call the professionals at Avion Insurance first for tips about aircraft insurance and other aircraft related concerns.

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For informational purposes only.