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

Why Choose JRH Engineering

Why Developers, Contractors & Property Owners Choose JRH

Most engineering firms talk about technical capability. We focus on what actually matters to your project: speed, cost, communication, and results.

Faster Project Turnaround

Our streamlined processes and efficient team structure mean shorter design and permitting timelines — without sacrificing quality or accuracy.

Clear & Responsive Communication

You work directly with engineers who keep you informed. No long delays or unanswered emails — just straightforward updates and quick responses.

Proven Results Across Three States

We have successfully delivered civil, structural, and land development projects for developers, contractors, and owners throughout Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.

Check out JRH's case studies.

Licensed & Certified Professionals

Our work is sealed by licensed Professional Engineers. JRH Engineering is also a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB / WBE) and HUB eligible.

A Step-by-Step Process for Aircraft Hangar Design

An aircraft hangar has to fit the aircraft, clear the airport's airspace and safety areas, resist wind and carry heavy floor loads.

Working in the right order keeps those requirements from colliding late in design.

JRH Engineering is a Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.

JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.

Step 1: Define the Aircraft and the Uses

• Largest aircraft wingspan, tail height and weight

  
  

• Door width and height, plus clearances

  
  

• Office, shop, storage or living space in the same building

  
  

Step 2: Check the Airport and the Airspace

• Airport layout plan, lease limits and the airport's own design standards

  
  

• FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-13B, Airport Design, sets FAA standards and recommendations for airport geometry

  
  

• FAA Form 7460-1 notice under 14 CFR Part 77 when construction triggers it, filed at least 45 days ahead

  
  

Step 3: Site Civil Design

• Grading and drainage that keep water off aprons and taxiway connections

  
  

• Detention pond sizing to the local criteria

  
  

Step 4: Structural System and Foundations

• PEMB or conventional steel framing for long clear spans

  
  

• Hangar door loads concentrated at the door columns and header

  
  

• Wind design for the site's code wind speed and exposure

  
  

• Slab and foundation design for aircraft and equipment loads; JRH designs PEMB foundations up to 120,000 SF

  
  

Step 5: Coordinate Fire Protection and MEP

• NFPA 409 fire protection is designed by a fire protection engineer

  
  

• Electrical and mechanical systems are designed by others; JRH coordinates the structural and civil work

  
  

Project: Southwest Shipyards Barge Construction Building, Galveston, TX

This heavy-industrial building was not a hangar, but it shows the same long-span, heavy-load foundation design large hangars need.

• Heavy-industrial building on Pelican Island, Galveston

  
  

• Approved by the City of Galveston and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

  
  

• Read the full Southwest Shipyards case study

  
  

Challenges

• Soft coastal soils could not carry heavy loads near the surface

  
  

• Foundations had to support four 60-ton overhead cranes at once

  
  

Objectives

1. Reach stable bearing soils below the soft surface layers.

   
   

2. Support simultaneous crane loads.

   
   

Solutions JRH Engineering Provided

• Structural engineering foundation design

  
  

• Auger cast piers about 130 feet deep to reach stable bearing strata

  
  

• Pile caps engineered for simultaneous loading from all four cranes

  
  

Results:

• Crane loads supported on coastal soils, with City and Corps approvals secured

  
  

Hangar Design in Texas, North Carolina and Florida

Texas

• See FAA AC 150/5300-13B and The Future of Aviation in TX & NC; for an airpark site example, see the Wolfe Airpark case study.

  
  

North Carolina

• The NC Office of State Fire Marshal lists the 2018 NC codes as current, with 2024 pending.

  
  

Florida

• See the Florida Building Code and Private Aircraft Hangar Layouts for Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in hangar design?

Define the largest aircraft, door size and any added uses.

Which FAA document covers airport design?

Advisory Circular 150/5300-13B, Airport Design.

When is FAA Form 7460-1 required?

When construction meets 14 CFR Part 77 notice criteria, filed at least 45 days before construction.

What foundation does a hangar need?

One designed for aircraft loads, door column loads and site soils.

Does JRH Engineering design hangar fire protection?

No, fire protection is designed by a fire protection engineer; JRH coordinates civil and structural work.

Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?

No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.

Want More Information on this Topic?

• Call JRH Engineering at (800) 227-9635

  
  

• Use the chatbot in the lower right-hand corner of this page

  
  

• Submit a request through JRH Engineering's contact page

  
  

Find JRH Engineering on Google:

• Houston, TX | Manvel, TX (HQ) | North Carolina | Florida

  
  

This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.