FAA-Compliant Hangar Design: JRH's Step-by-Step Process | TX, NC, FL
- JRH Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc.
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
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)
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