Aircraft Storage Starts With Clear Space
An airplane hangar has one primary job: provide enough protected, unobstructed space for the aircraft.
That makes clear-span construction particularly valuable.
Duro Span arch steel buildings are self-supporting structures that do not require rows of interior columns or roof trusses throughout the main floor area. The result is open interior space that can be used for aircraft storage, maintenance equipment, tools and other aviation needs.
Why Arch Steel Buildings Make Sense for Hangars
Aircraft owners typically need width, height and accessibility.
Interior columns can complicate maneuvering an airplane into position and reduce usable floor space. With a clear-span arch building, the interior can remain open from one side of the structure to the other.
Depending on the building configuration, that space can accommodate:
Private aircraft
Ultralight aircraft
Experimental aircraft
Aircraft restoration projects
Aviation maintenance
Airport equipment
Ground-support vehicles
Parts and tool storage
The building can also be planned with additional length for work areas and equipment behind or around the aircraft.
Start With the Aircraft, Not the Building
Before choosing a hangar size, determine the dimensions of the aircraft you plan to store.
Important measurements include the aircraft's wingspan, overall length and tail height.
Then add working clearance.
A hangar that technically fits the airplane isn't necessarily a hangar that is convenient to use. You'll want sufficient space to maneuver the aircraft and access it for inspection, maintenance and cleaning.
If you expect to purchase a larger aircraft in the future, include that possibility during the planning stage.
Your Hangar Door Requires Careful Planning
A large hangar door can determine much of the building design.
The opening needs enough width for the aircraft's wingspan and enough height for the tail, while also allowing comfortable operating clearance.
Door type, end-wall design and structural requirements should therefore be considered early rather than treated as accessories after the building has been selected.
Space Beyond the Aircraft
Many private hangars become multipurpose buildings.
Once the aircraft is inside, owners often want additional room for:
Workbenches
Tools
Spare parts
Maintenance equipment
Tow vehicles
ATVs
Cars
Storage cabinets
Office space
Additional building length can often provide this space without interfering with the primary aircraft storage area.
Engineered for the Building Location
Hangars can be located in areas exposed to substantial wind, snow and other environmental loads.
Building requirements vary by project location, so the structure should be designed around the applicable local requirements rather than purchasing a generic building based on dimensions alone.
Duro Span can help determine the appropriate building specifications for the project location and provide engineering documentation when required.
A Hangar Designed Around Your Aircraft
From a private plane on a rural property to aviation equipment and maintenance storage, an arch steel building provides a combination of open space, durability and design flexibility.
Duro Span offers multiple building profiles, widths, heights and lengths, allowing an aircraft hangar to be configured around the aircraft rather than forcing the aircraft to fit a predetermined structure.
Call Duro Span at 888-848-2011 to discuss your aircraft dimensions, desired hangar size and door requirements.