Little River Airport Advisory Committee

Hangar Construction Recommendation

3/18/2001

The Little River Airport Advisory committee has been working for over a year to develop a recommendation for the construction of additional hangars at Little River Airport. We analyzed 4 possible sites for hangars and recommended a specific site as being the least expensive to develop for a group of about 16 hangars. We researched demand and funding, and recommended obtaining a CalTrans low interest revenue generating loan, to be repaid by hangar rents. Last year, the Public Resources Committee and Board of Supervisors acted on our “Hangar Report Number 3” and authorized the Department of Transportation to solicit $600 deposits from up to 16 pilots as a demonstration of serious intent to rent a hangar.

Sixteen pilots have sent deposits to DOT. We have surveyed these pilots to find out what size aircraft they have, if they are willing to share a large hangar and what hangar type they prefer. We have contacted many hangar manufacturers and many local contractors with experience building hangars. And we have made some measurements of the site selected for the new hangars.

Survey of depositors

Nine of the 16 depositors have responded so far.

Two depositors indicated a need for very large hangars, at least 45x50x15 feet.

The overwhelming majority of pilots expressed a preference for rectangular “box” hangars in contrast to “T” hangars.

One pilot, who flies floatplanes, said he needs a tall hangar door (15 feet high).

There seems to be general agreement on the following desirable characteristics:

- Rectangular, smooth concrete floor

- Well ventilated to minimize condensation

- Natural light from translucent side panels

- Rust-resistant and leak-proof

- A second man-door is needed for larger hangars, not necessary for smaller hangars

- Electricity, phone and water

- A pitched roof (3:1 or more) is better than a flat roof

- Metal parts should have a minimum 25 year anti-corrosion coating

- Should be able to withstand a wind load of at least 80mph

- Most users could be satisfied by a 30x40 foot hangar

- Level, paved apron from taxiway to hangar

- Users who responded to the survey emphasized a desire for good quality hangars even if this implies a somewhat higher monthly rent.

- Provision needs to be made for drainage between hangars to the main drainage ditch

- About 5 feet of space is recommended between the rear of the hangars and the ditch, for utility conduits and access for maintenance. This will constrain the depth of hangars.

Next Steps

The proposed site has already been cleared of trees, but there are some stumps remaining, mainly at the rear of the area, near the drainage ditch. These stumps should be removed before the concrete foundations for the hangars can be engineered and their costs accurately estimated. It is possible that concrete and paving costs could account for nearly half of the construction cost, and this cost will vary depending on what is revealed once the stumps have been removed. The site slopes downward somewhat at the rear and extra concrete will be required in this area..

The County needs to decide if it will ask for one bid for both design and construction, or if these will be two separate RFP/bid processes.

What if anything more does the Advisory Committee need to do? We believe that the project may be ready for referral to the full Board and DOT for implementation.