Maximizing Your Hangar’s Potential: FAA Guidance for Single-Engine Piston Aircraft Storage
For single-engine piston aircraft owners, a hangar isn’t just a place to park your plane; it’s an investment in its longevity, safety, and continued airworthiness.1 Proper hangar use is paramount, and understanding the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines is crucial for every aviator. These guidelines are designed to ensure that airport facilities, often supported by federal grants, remain dedicated to their primary purpose: aeronautical activities.
The Foundation of Hangar Use: Aeronautical Purpose
At its core, FAA policy dictates that hangars at federally obligated airports must be used for “aeronautical purposes.”2 This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a condition tied to federal funding that airports receive. The primary purpose is always aircraft storage. However, the FAA acknowledges that other activities and storage of certain items can coexist within a hangar, provided they do not interfere with this primary aeronautical use [1].3
What Constitutes Aeronautical Use?
Beyond simply parking your aircraft, “aeronautical purposes” extends to a range of related activities. This includes:
- Aircraft Storage: This is the most straightforward and fundamental use. Your single-engine piston aircraft should be housed in the hangar.
- Maintenance, Repair, and Refurbishment: Crucially, the FAA permits the use of hangars for maintaining, repairing, or refurbishing your aircraft. This is a significant clarification that allows for more comprehensive work to be done on-site.
- Non-commercial Construction of Amateur-Built or Kit-Built Aircraft: For those who enjoy the hands-on aspect of aviation, the FAA explicitly allows the construction of experimental and kit aircraft within a hangar, as long as it’s for non-commercial purposes and conducted safely [2].4 This is a welcome change for many homebuilders.
- Storage of Aircraft-Related Equipment: Items essential for the operation, servicing, and maintenance of your aircraft, such as tow bars, workbenches, and tools, are permissible within the hangar.
- Ancillary Aeronautical Activities: This can include the storage of materials directly related to an aeronautical activity (e.g., skydiving equipment if you use your plane for that purpose) and even non-aeronautical items, provided they do not impede the primary aeronautical use or displace the aircraft.
What’s Not Permitted? Navigating the Restrictions
While the FAA offers flexibility, there are clear lines on what is not considered an aeronautical use and is therefore generally prohibited in federally obligated airport hangars:
- Residential Use: Hangars are not designed or permitted for use as residences, even for short periods.5 This is a critical safety and regulatory distinction [1].
- Non-Aeronautical Businesses: Operating a business that is not aviation-related (e.g., a limousine service, general car storage, or a non-aeronautical business office) is typically not allowed.
- Impeding Aircraft Movement: Any activity or stored item that obstructs the movement of your aircraft in and out of the hangar, or access to other aeronautical contents, is prohibited.
- Storage of Household Items: Items that could be stored in a commercial storage facility, such as furniture, personal belongings, or general household goods, should not be kept in your hangar.
- Long-Term Storage of Derelict Aircraft and Parts: Hangars are for operational aircraft or those undergoing active maintenance/construction. Long-term storage of abandoned or unmaintained aircraft, or disused parts, is generally discouraged and can be a violation of airport rules [1].6
- Prohibited Items and Activities: Storage of hazardous materials like large quantities of fuel (beyond what’s in the aircraft’s tanks or small, approved quantities for maintenance), or activities prohibited by local or state law, are strictly forbidden. Fire codes, such as NFPA 407, also dictate strict rules regarding fuel storage and dispensing within hangars [3].7 Welding, cutting, and other “hot work” operations often have specific fire code requirements and may need to be conducted outdoors or in specially designated areas.
The Airport’s Role and Your Responsibility
Airport sponsors, who receive federal funding, are obligated to manage hangar use through leasing programs and to monitor compliance.8 This means having a clear lease agreement and actively preventing unauthorized non-aeronautical use. For you, the aircraft owner, it means understanding and adhering to these rules. By consistently using your hangar for its intended purpose, you contribute to the efficient and safe operation of the airport for all aviators.
Why Proper Hangar Use Matters for Your Single-Engine Piston Aircraft
Beyond regulatory compliance, adhering to FAA guidelines for hangar use directly benefits your aircraft. A hangar provides crucial protection from the elements, reducing wear and tear caused by UV exposure, rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations.9 This, in turn, can lower maintenance costs and preserve the value of your aircraft over time. A well-maintained and properly stored aircraft is also a safer aircraft, enhancing your peace of mind.
For instance, proper storage in a climate-controlled environment can significantly reduce the risk of corrosion, a pervasive issue for aircraft, especially in coastal or humid climates [4].10 Regular cleaning and timely maintenance, facilitated by an organized hangar, also play a vital role.
The Aero Center: Your Partner in Hangar Best Practices
Navigating FAA regulations and ensuring your single-engine piston aircraft receives the best care requires expertise. At The Aero Center, we understand the nuances of aircraft maintenance and storage. We serve the aviation community across California, Arizona, and Nevada, offering unparalleled support for single-engine and twin-piston aircraft.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to minimizing your aircraft’s downtime. The Aero Center is the only 24/7 maintenance center in the area, ensuring that whether you need routine service or an unexpected repair, your aircraft can be back in the air swiftly. This dedication to round-the-clock service demonstrates our authority and commitment to the aviation community. When others are closed, we’re open, ready to keep your aircraft compliant and airworthy. Many satisfied customers attest to our quick response and quality work, a testament to our social proof within the aviation community. Trust us to help you maintain your aircraft to the highest FAA standards, ensuring its safety and longevity.
Footnotes:
[1] FAA. “Frequently Asked Questions & Answers On FAA Policy on Use of Hangars at Obligated Airports.” Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_compliance/hangar_use
[2] AOPA. “FAA clarifies hangar-use policy.” Published June 15, 2016. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2016/june/15/faa-clarifies-hangar-use-policy
[3] Port of Benton. “Airport Users Rules and Regulation, Port of Benton Development Standards 2016 Question: What can I store in my hangar? Answer:”. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://portofbenton.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Airport-Rules-and-Policies-FAQ.pdf
[4] Learn to Fly. “Aircraft Storage and Maintenance Tips for Recreational Aviators.” Published January 9, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://learntofly.com.tw/en/aircraft-storage-and-maintenance-tips-for-recreational-aviators/
The Aero Center is located at William J. Fox Airfield KWJF | Lancaster, CA. Contact us at 209.885.6950 for questions or appointments.