How long does it take to design an FAA-compliant hangar?

The process typically takes 8–12 weeks, depending on site complexity and multi-use requirements.

What’s the cost difference between a basic hangar and one with offices?

Adding office spaces increases costs by 20–35%, primarily due to HVAC, insulation, and fireproofing needs.

Does JRH handle permitting in all three states?

Yes! We secure permits from local authorities and ensure FAA compliance in Texas, NC, and Florida.

FAA-Compliant Hangar Design: JRH's Step-by-Step Process

From Concept to Construction: JRH’s Step-by-Step Process for Aircraft Hangar Design

At JRH Engineering & Environmental Services, we are the premier civil, structural, and environmental engineering firm serving property owners and developers in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.

With private aviation on the rise, demand for custom aircraft hangars is soaring—especially in high-growth regions.

In this post, we’ll walk through our proven process for designing FAA-compliant hangars, address critical pre-design considerations, and highlight 2025’s top demand areas across all three states.

Why Proper Aircraft Hangar Design Matters

Modern hangars are more than storage for planes; they often integrate offices, workshops, and recreational spaces.

JRH ensures every design meets FAA guidelines, local building codes, and the unique needs of owners, whether for private, corporate, or municipal use.

2025’s High-Demand Regions for Private Hangars

Texas: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) periphery, Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and Houston’s Ellington Field.
North Carolina: Charlotte Executive Airport, Raleigh-Durham’s Research Triangle, and coastal regions like Wilmington.
Florida: Orlando Sanford International Airport, Naples Municipal Airport, and Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport.

Step 1: Pre-Design Planning & Multi-Use Considerations

Before breaking ground, JRH collaborates with clients to define the hangar’s primary and secondary uses, which directly impact structural and regulatory requirements.

Key Questions to Address

Will the hangar include office spaces, storage, or social areas?
Is climate control needed for sensitive equipment or occupant comfort?
What fire suppression systems are required by local codes?

State-Specific Requirements

Texas: High wind loads (up to 150 mph in coastal zones) and fire-resistant materials for hangars near urban areas like Houston.
North Carolina: Snow load calculations in mountainous regions and hurricane straps in coastal zones like Wilmington.
Florida: Corrosion-resistant materials for salt-air environments and flood zone elevation in Miami.

Step 2: Site Preparation & FAA Compliance

Critical Factors

Soil Testing: Expansive clay in Texas requires deep foundations, while Florida’s sandy soils demand pilings.
FAA Clearances: Minimum distances from runways and taxiways (e.g., 50-foot setback for Category I hangars).
Drainage: Prevent flooding with graded slopes and stormwater systems, especially in hurricane-prone NC and FL.

Step 3: Material Selection for Durability & Function

Preferred Materials

Steel Framing: Ideal for wide-span designs in Texas and Florida due to wind resistance.
Insulated Panels: Maintain climate control in hangars with offices or workshops (common in Raleigh-Durham’s tech sector).
Corrosion-Resistant Coatings: Essential for coastal Florida hangars near saltwater.

Step 4: Load-Bearing Calculations & Safety

Key Considerations

Aircraft Weight: A Gulfstream G650 requires floor loads of 250+ PSF.
Environmental Loads: Snow (up to 30 PSF in NC mountains) vs. wind uplift (130+ MPH in Florida).
Seismic Activity: Rare in TX/FL but considered in structural redundancy plans.

Step 5: Integrating Multi-Use Spaces

Design Adaptations by State

Texas: Separate HVAC zones for offices and hangar areas to handle extreme heat.
North Carolina: Fire-rated walls between storage areas and social spaces per NC Building Code.
Florida: Dehumidification systems to protect aircraft and electronics in humid climates.

Final Thoughts

As the premier provider of engineering services in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida, JRH Engineering combines technical expertise with local regulatory knowledge to deliver aircraft hangars that are safe, functional, and future-ready.

Whether you’re developing near Austin’s tech boom, Charlotte’s corporate hubs, or Florida’s coastal airports, trust our team to guide your project from concept to construction.

References

FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-13 (Airport Design)
2023 Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) Building Codes
Florida Building Code – Section 454 (Aircraft Hangars)

FAA-Compliant Hangar Design: JRH's Step-by-Step Process | TX, NC, FL