An aircraft is a significant investment, often costing more than the home of the pilot who flies it. Whether it is a single-engine Cessna, a corporate jet, or a collection of gliders, these machines require specialized protection from the elements. In the aviation world, Tennessee Steel Buildings are the undisputed standard for hangar construction. The reasons go beyond just shelter; they involve specific engineering requirements for door widths, fire suppression, and the protection of delicate avionics and airframes from the humid and variable Tennessee climate.

The Engineering of the Hangar Door

The defining feature of any hangar is the door. It needs to be massive, often spanning 40 to 80 feet or more, to accommodate the wingspan of the aircraft. The structural header required to span this opening without sagging is immense. Steel I-beams are uniquely capable of handling this extreme point load. A wood-framed building simply cannot support a 60-foot bi-fold or hydraulic door safely. We engineer the steel main frame specifically to carry the weight and the dynamic loads (opening and closing forces) of these heavy doors, ensuring smooth operation for the life of the building. A jammed door on a flying day is a pilot’s worst nightmare; steel engineering prevents that.

Clear Span for Manoeuvrability

Hangar rash—damage caused by bumping the aircraft into obstacles while moving it—is a costly and dangerous occurrence. Aircraft have awkward shapes; long wings and tails require vast turning radiuses. Steel clear-span construction provides a column-free interior that maximises usable floor space. This allows pilots to use tugs to manoeuvre planes easily, or to stack multiple aircraft in a "Tetris" configuration to maximise rental income for the hangar owner. The absence of columns also removes the risk of a wingtip striking a support post, protecting the structural integrity of the aircraft.

Fire Protection and Insurance

Aircraft hangars are classified as high-hazard groups by building codes due to the presence of aviation fuel. Fire suppression is a critical concern. Steel is non-combustible, which simplifies the fire code compliance process. While a foam or sprinkler system is often required for larger hangars, the steel structure itself does not add fuel load. This is a major factor in securing aviation hangar insurance. Insurers view steel hangars as lower risk compared to wood pole barns, which can lead to significant savings on premiums. Furthermore, the steel shell protects the aircraft from external fire threats, such as grass fires on the airfield perimeter.

Bird and Pest Control

Birds are a menace in hangars. Their droppings are acidic and can corrode aluminium aircraft skins, and nesting material in an engine cowl can cause an in-flight fire. Traditional wood barns with trusses provide infinite perching and nesting spots for birds. Steel beams, particularly rigid frame designs, offer fewer flat surfaces for birds to roost. We can also easily seal the eaves and door interfaces of a steel building to be virtually airtight, preventing birds and rodents from entering. Keeping the hangar environment clean and pest-free is essential for airworthiness and maintenance.

Conclusion

For the aviation community, a hangar is more than a garage; it is a shield for a fragile and expensive machine. Steel buildings offer the wide spans, heavy-duty engineering, and protective qualities that pilots demand. It is the only material that makes sense for safeguarding the freedom of flight.

Call to Action

Protect your aircraft with a hangar engineered for aviation needs; contact us to discuss your custom steel hangar.

Visit: https://www.btsteel.net/