The Future of Aviation in TX and NC: Hangar Design and Construction

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.

Hangars Start With the Site, Not the Building

Every new hangar row or airpark expansion in Texas and North Carolina needs land that drains, connects to taxiways and clears FAA airspace review.

Grading, drainage, airspace and foundations often decide the schedule and budget.

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

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

Civil Design for Hangars and Airparks

• Grading for hangar pads, aprons and taxiway connections

  
  

• Drainage and detention pond design that does not create ponding on aircraft surfaces

  
  

• Safety grading along runways and taxiways

  
  

• Utilities, access roads and fire lanes

  
  

FAA Airspace Review

• 14 CFR Part 77 requires notice to the FAA for structures more than 200 ft above ground, and for construction near airports that penetrates set slopes, such as 100 to 1 for 20,000 ft from runways longer than 3,200 ft

  
  

• Notice is filed on FAA Form 7460-1 at least 45 days before construction starts

Structural Design

• Pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) hangar foundations up to 120,000 SF

  
  

• Wide door openings that concentrate loads at the door columns and headers

  
  

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

  
  

• Slabs sized for aircraft and equipment loads

  
  

Fire Protection

• Hangar fire protection is governed by NFPA 409 and is designed by a fire protection engineer; JRH coordinates the civil and structural work around it

  
  

Project: Wolfe Airpark Expansion, Manvel, TX

• 18-acre airpark expansion with a runway extension, grading and drainage in Manvel, Brazoria County

  
  

• Read the full Wolfe Airpark case study

  
  

Challenges

• City of Manvel opposition was the primary permitting barrier within the budget

  
  

• A shallow storm sewer outfall made conventional detention pond design too expensive

  
  

Objectives

1. Deliver civil design for the expansion within budget.

   
   

2. Manage stormwater without giving up airpark land.

   
   

Solutions JRH Engineering Provided

• Civil engineering design for the runway extension, grading and drainage

  
  

• A recommendation to deannex from Manvel, shifting review to Brazoria County and the drainage district

  
  

• Runway ditches designed to a 1:12 aviation safety slope that also serve as detention pond storage

  
  

• A lift station to reduce the required detention pond footprint

  
  

Results:

• City opposition removed through deannexation

  
  

• More land preserved for airpark operations

  
  

Hangars in Texas, North Carolina and Florida

Texas

• See the 14 CFR Part 77 airspace rules and 2026 Private Aircraft Hangar Design Updates.

  
  

North Carolina

• JRH Engineering does not have a published NC hangar project yet; the NC Office of State Fire Marshal lists the 2018 NC codes as current, with 2024 pending.

  
  

Florida

• For hurricane-region layouts, see Private Aircraft Hangar Layouts for Florida and NFPA 409 Compliance.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a new hangar need FAA review?

Often; 14 CFR Part 77 requires notice for structures near airports that penetrate set slopes or exceed 200 ft.

How far ahead must FAA Form 7460-1 be filed?

At least 45 days before construction starts.

Can drainage ditches double as detention ponds at an airpark?

Yes; at Wolfe Airpark, runway safety ditches also provided detention pond storage.

How large a hangar foundation does JRH Engineering design?

PEMB hangar foundations up to 120,000 SF.

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

  
  

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.