The History of Aircraft Hangars
Although many people assume an airplane hangar is simply a garage for aircraft, there is a lot more going on. Aircraft hangars can vary greatly in size and complexity. From simple structures designed to shelter aircraft parts from the elements to automated and climate-controlled maintenance facilities with highly specialized and sometimes classified equipment and technology, metal buildings can do it all.
Regardless of size or complexity, the primary role of an aircraft hangar is to secure and maximize the flying time of the aircraft. When it comes time for maintenance, the hangar should make it easy to get the aircraft back in operation in as little time as possible.
Early Days of Aircraft Hangars
Aircraft hangars have come a long way. Over the first century of commercial airports, we have moved from the Wright brothers’ simple shed to today’s advanced hangar and maintenance facilities, helping to improve safety and reliability.
The earliest origins of today’s steel aircraft hangar can be traced back to aviation pioneer Louis Bleriot. It is said that after crash landing his plane in France in the early 1920s, he used a steel cattle pen owned by a farmer to shelter and repair his damaged plane. Impressed by the convenience of the pen, he contacted its makers and asked them to construct three aircraft hangars for him.
Before that, as early as 1902 to 1903, the Wright brothers are said to have constructed a hangar-style wooden shed on Kill Devil Hills that housed their “Kitty Hawk” aircraft. As the need for and the number of aircraft increased, hangars became a necessity. Today, they are at the centre of any successful airline keeping airplanes safe, reliable, and in the air.
The Evolution of Hangars
With time, aircraft technology has grown in leaps and bounds, leading to bigger and more complex machines than ever before. This has led to the need for bigger aircraft hangars with more sophisticated layouts that can accommodate all the components and subsystems that need to be repaired and maintained, along with the sophisticated tools and equipment required.
The Five Types of Spaces in Hangar Facilities
· Hangar Area — Where the aircraft are kept.
· Shop Area — The area where maintenance and repairs are performed.
· Warehouse Area — Spare parts, tools, and other items needed for the day-to-day maintenance can be found here.
· Office, Administration, and Specialty Areas — Management offices, worker facilities, and more.
· Building Utilities Area — Water, electrical systems, gas, and more that are required to operate the facility.
Modern Construction of an Aircraft Hangar
Traditionally, metal aircraft hangars were made using steel-clad structures to increase usable space. Though still common, steel-frame and tensile roof hangars are gaining significant popularity as they are durable, offer more natural light, less costly to maintain, and quicker to construct.
When designing your metal aircraft hangar, keep in mind that smaller, simpler hangars can be straight wall or arch style, but complex structures found at airports can only be straight wall.
A Well-Designed Hangar Keeps Your Aircraft Safe
From the cow pen Louis Bleriot used to store his airplane to today’s highly automated and complicated structures, the main purpose of an aircraft hangar has remained the same — protecting the aircraft and keeping them in good condition.
