The Modern Aircraft Hangar: Where Design, Technology and Function Meet

For many aircraft owners, a hangar is little more than a place where their aircraft is kept safe from the elements. There is little thought put behind the design of the space, or its functionality. 

Just like aircraft, hangars have the potential to be a crowning jewel worthy of self and external admiration. There are nearly a limitless number of ways to design a hangar, making it both more functional and aesthetically pleasing 

Doors

The most rudimentary option is a simple sliding or accordion door, with other options becoming more complex and expensive.

There are many considerations to understand when thinking about a new door. It’s recommended to speak with a variety of companies (of which there are at least half a dozen major manufacturers) to see which option is best for you. 

A popular choice is the bi-fold option, where the hangar door opens upward (after being folded in half). This provides an unobstructed view of the ramp from the inside of the hangar, and a clear exit for aircraft. One of the leading companies that sells these types of doors is Schweiss Doors. 

Other companies have different types of products, including PowerLift Hydraulic Door’s unique offerings. One of the major advertised benefits of their doors is how there is virtually no headroom space lost. A recent project completed by the company serves as reminder that the door itself can be a large canvas capable of showcasing aviation in a novel way. 

Floors

Once you have hung a nice new door on the opening of your hangar, your floor will quickly show its age. Consider covering up the wear and tear of years of pulling planes out, and them leaking overnight, with a new floor. 

Just like for residential garages, an epoxy floor is a common choice of hangar owners. There are many local companies doing this type of work. An interesting solution is Puma-Crete’s hangar floor solutions, which are Skydrol and fuel resistant.

A less permanent solution for a new floor is adding tiles, which come in an array of colors and designs. Swisstrax offers DIY hangar floor solutions and their tiles can be customized with a design, meaning that your Bonanza could have a Beechcraft logo adorning the floor below it. 

Ceilings

Now look up. What do you see?

If you do not see a fan, you are going to be hot in your hangar during the summer. There are a multitude of solutions to add some moving air to this space – helping to ensure that your preflight walkaround is not rushed.

Winter will affect the preparation of your flying just the same, and the cold will leave you wanting to jump into the cockpit right away. Detroit Radiant Products Company provides infrared heating solutions for a variety of uses, including in the hangar. Infrared heating is an efficient way to heat hangars of all sizes, especially those with large volumes of air. 

Technology

There are several companies that use technology to improve the operations within hangars.

Lynk Aviation provides smart hangar solutions that control, automate, and secure your space. Their solutions include an engine preheating device, as well as cameras and a door controller.

For hangars where there are multiple aircraft, a concern is hangar rash. There are several products that exist to reduce in-hangar collisions, including Fyve By and HangarStack. With either of these platforms, you will no longer have to wonder if another plane will fit – or what the best way to get that Arrow stuck in the corner out onto the ramp is.  

Design Help

Most pilots are technically inclined, after all – flying an airplane requires a certain level of mechanical aptitude. This translates well into improving the systems on a hangar, but where many aviators fall short is the aesthetic improvement of their space.

Fortunately, there is an option for pilots who need a little help with making their hangar a (home away from) home. Aeroview Design Co. provides aviation interior design services, including material selection and styling consultations. 

“Our work blends architectural awareness, material refinement, and strategic planning to create spaces that feel composed, elevated, and enduring,” the company highlights. “This is aviation living designed with restraint and intention.” 

Wanting some new ideas on how to elevate your space? Check out their ‘Ultimate Hangar Home Guide’ to get some industry-specific design inspiration. 

Photo Credits: All credits to the respective company – taken from their website and/or social media pages