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Living in a hangar at the airport may be possible, but it depends on several factors. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that hangars at airports that receive AIP funds cannot be used as residences, and overnight stays are not permitted. However, some individuals have shared their experiences of living in hangars, either by setting up a small living space or having an apartment built within the hangar. The permissibility of such arrangements may vary depending on local zoning regulations and airport management policies. It is important to consult the relevant authorities and guidelines before considering residing in a hangar at an airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Living in a hangar at the airport | Depends on the airport management, local zoning regulations, and whether the airport receives AIP funds |
| FAA policy on living in a hangar | FAA explicitly prohibits using a hangar as a residence at an airport that receives AIP funds |
| Non-aeronautical items in a hangar | Permitted as long as they don't interfere with the aeronautical use of the hangar and are not a fire hazard |
| Privately-owned hangars | Not subject to FAA policy |
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What You'll Learn
It depends on the airport and local regulations
Whether or not you can live in a hangar depends on the airport and local regulations. Some cities and airports do not allow it, while others do. For example, one person lived in a hangar at West Houston Airport for a year, while another lived in a hangar at Twin Oaks Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that hangars on airports that receive AIP (Federal Airport Improvement Program) funds cannot be used as residences. However, this only applies to airports that are federally obligated. Airports that do not receive AIP funds are not bound by these restrictions, and the issue of what can be stored in a hangar is left to the airport owner and tenant.
Even at airports that receive AIP funds, the FAA has stated that non-aeronautical items may be stored in a hangar as long as they do not interfere with the aeronautical use of the hangar. This means that, as long as you can easily get your airplane in and out of the hangar, what else you store there is up to you. However, this does not mean that you can use the hangar as a residence, and the FAA has stated that overnighting in a hangar is not approved.
In addition to airport regulations, local fire regulations may also dictate what can be stored in a hangar.
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The FAA prohibits living in hangars at AIP-funded airports
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits living in hangars at airports that receive AIP (Airport Improvement Program) funds. This policy was issued in response to disputes between airport owners and hangar tenants regarding the permissible use of hangars. The FAA's guidance states that hangars at AIP-funded airports must be used for aeronautical purposes only, such as aircraft storage, maintenance, and construction. Non-aeronautical items can be stored in the hangar as long as they do not interfere with the aeronautical use of the hangar.
The FAA's policy aims to ensure that hangars at AIP-funded airports are primarily used for aviation-related purposes. By accepting federal grants, airport sponsors agree to comply with certain federal policies and make the airport available for aeronautical activities. This helps prevent aeronautical users from being denied access to needed airport facilities. The FAA's guidance gives discretion to local airport sponsors to accommodate activities that do not impact aeronautical uses while also ensuring that hangars are not used for non-aeronautical purposes exclusively.
The FAA's Final Policy on hangar use provides a clear framework for airport sponsors and tenants. It removes vague terms like "incidental use" and instead lists specific prohibited activities that would interfere with aeronautical use. This includes non-aeronautical business functions, storage of prohibited items, and any use that impedes aircraft movement or access. The policy also addresses temporary non-aeronautical use, allowing airport sponsors to seek prior approval for month-to-month non-aeronautical leases when there is no aeronautical demand for hangars.
While the FAA prohibits living in hangars at AIP-funded airports, it does provide some flexibility for non-aeronautical use. The policy allows for the storage of non-aeronautical items as long as they do not interfere with aeronautical activities. Additionally, vehicles can be parked in hangars while the owner is using the stored aircraft. However, hangars may not be used as residences, and airport sponsors are responsible for monitoring hangar use to prevent unapproved non-aeronautical activities.
It is important to note that the FAA's hangar policy does not apply to privately owned facilities located off the airport or to property designated for non-aeronautical use on an approved Airport Layout Plan. The policy is specifically for federally obligated airports and hangars designated for aeronautical use. Airports that do not receive AIP funds may have different regulations, and the specifics may depend on the agreements between hangar tenants and airport owners.
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Some people build apartments inside hangars
While the FAA prohibits using hangars at AIP-funded airports as residences, some people have found creative ways to build living spaces inside hangars. On non-federally obligated airports, owners may impose their own restrictions, and in some cases, people have set up living spaces inside their hangars.
For example, one person described living in a hangar, sleeping on a small bunk and using nearby bathrooms. They had a loveseat, a fridge, a microwave, and a computer, and they would shower at work. Another person described knowing someone who had a small condo set up inside their hangar. In some cases, residential communities are built around runways, with homes having small hangars in the backyard and taxiways leading to the runway. These are known as "airparks" and can be found across the United States.
In addition to individuals creating living spaces inside hangars, there are also hangar homes or hangar residences. These are custom-built homes that combine luxury living with aviation access. For example, in Northern Idaho, pilots are attracted to the seclusion and beauty of the area's lakes and mountains. At SilverWing in Sandpoint, new owners can build custom hangar homes with attached hangars ranging from 50' x 42' to 60' x 70' in size.
Some hangar homes are quite stunning, such as the converted Nissen hut hangar home in Essex, UK, or the mountain estate airpark in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, known as Heaven's Landing. Heaven offers a variety of amenities, including a spacious three-story clubhouse, hiking and equestrian trails, and allowing dirt biking and four-wheeling on adjacent trails.
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Some airports have hangars turned into man-caves
While the FAA prohibits using a hangar at an airport that receives AIP funds as a residence, some people have reported living in hangars at airports that do not receive such funding. These hangars are sometimes described as "man-caves", equipped with sofas, fridges, TVs, and other amenities. In some cases, individuals have built small apartments or condos within their hangars, providing them with a unique living space.
The rules and regulations regarding hangar usage can vary depending on the airport and local zoning regulations. Some airports may prohibit residential use, while others may permit it as long as it does not interfere with the aeronautical purpose of the hangar. Additionally, the airport owner has a significant say in what tenants can and cannot do with their hangars.
For those who are passionate about aviation, living in a hangar can be an appealing option. It provides easy access to airplanes and offers a unique living experience. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as the lack of ventilation and the high temperatures that can be challenging to manage.
While some individuals have found creative ways to turn their hangars into living spaces, it is important to respect the rules and regulations of the specific airport and comply with any local laws and guidelines. Living in a hangar may be feasible in certain circumstances, but it is not a widely accepted practice and may be frowned upon by authorities.
In conclusion, while some airports have hangars that have been turned into living spaces or "man-caves," it is not a standard practice, and individuals considering such an arrangement should carefully research the applicable rules and regulations to avoid any legal issues.
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Some people have lived in hangars for years
While the FAA prohibits using a hangar at an airport that receives AIP funds as a residence, some people have found creative ways to live in hangars for years. On non-federally obligated airports, owners can impose any restrictions they deem fit, and some allow residential use.
Some people have set up small condos or apartments within their hangars, with basic amenities like a bed, bathroom, fridge, microwave, and computer. Others have turned their hangars into "man-caves", with sofas, TVs, and refrigerators, in addition to their airplanes.
In some cases, people have lived in their trailers or RVs parked inside or next to their hangars. One person even mentioned living in a mobile home behind a hangar with two other people, although they noted that it was quite cold in the winter due to inadequate insulation.
While it may not be a conventional choice, living in a hangar can be a unique and affordable option for those with a passion for aviation. However, it is important to consider local regulations, airport management policies, and zoning laws before making the decision to live in a hangar.
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Frequently asked questions
The FAA specifically says no. A hangar on an airport that receives AIP funds cannot be used as a residence. However, some people have reported living in a hangar or knowing someone who did. It ultimately depends on the airport management and local zoning regulations.
The primary purpose of an aircraft hangar is aircraft storage.
The answer depends on whether the airport is a public-use airport that receives Federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant money or a private airport. On an airport that does not receive AIP funds, any limitations on what may be stored in the hangar should be set out in the land lease or the airport rules. On residential airports, hangars are houses or parts of houses, and the owner often owns the land underneath, so the hangar owner has control over what goes in the hangar.
