What Key Features Does Every Aircraft Hangar Building Need?

The best temporary buildings provide the space and flexibility an organisation needs to do whatever it needs, and this is even more the case with aircraft hangars.

Because aircraft can vary so greatly in size from the Starr Bumble Bee II to the largest airships, hangars will vary considerably in size, shape, features and functionality.

Despite this, there will be some common features and common ground in their design, with almost every hangar having at least some of these key features.

Huge Sliding Doors

Outside of helicopters and some flying cars with foldable wings, aircraft have significant wingspans which need to be protected when placed into storage.

This requires that a hangar is designed to have no supporting pillars at all for the wings to collide with, as well as huge rolling or sliding doors that can be opened and closed easily.

Exactly how big these need to be depends on the wingspan of the aircraft being stored, but the key is that the doors should not open inwards or outwards, as this can affect how the plane is stored.

Lighting Systems

Hangars are designed not only for storage but also for maintenance, which necessitates appropriate lighting systems so that repairs can be undertaken safely and comprehensively.

This can take the form of window panels that protect from the elements whilst providing natural light, a set of artificial ceiling lights fitted during the installation process and powered by batteries, a generator or a mains connection, or some combination of the two.

Workstations And Storage Areas

As aircraft hangars are used for maintenance, even a temporary hangar needs a workstation with space to fit tools, equipment and spare parts.

This space is often modular and placed in locations such that it will not interfere with storage or the taxiing of aircraft.

Safety Features

Aircraft flight and ground crew need to be protected at all costs when working around aircraft, which means that even temporary hangars will have safety protocols in place in order to ensure the safety of personnel at all times.

These include fire suppression systems such as sprinklers and fire extinguishers, as well as emergency exits, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and ventilation systems that can stop a malfunction from becoming an emergency.

Climate Control 

Aircraft need to be maintained at a certain temperature and air quality whilst on the ground to ensure that they will operate safely and securely whilst in flight.

This often necessitates the use of both passive ventilation systems installed into the frame of the hangar, as well as HVAC machines that can help give operators more active control of the heat and humidity.

Office Areas

Administration is an important part of maintaining high standards during flight operations, so alongside pilots, grounds crew and air traffic controllers, there will be administrative and technical support staff overseeing the aircraft, any sensors and any digital services.

They will need an office area to set up computers and networking equipment, which means that many temporary hangars will either have space for offices or a temporary office will be constructed nearby.