Ever Heard of an Aviation Community? Hangar Homes Are Unique Examples of Freedom in America

There are many airport communities in the United States. I have heard that Florida, Texas and California have the most of them. However I've heard of these places in most every state. I live at one myself and usually am met with wide-eyes surprise when I mention the fact. Most people have similar questions so I though I'd answer a few of them:

What are Airport Communities?

These are neighborhoods which share one or more runways which are either connected to a small airport or are contained complete within the neighborhood itself. These runways are often owned and maintained by the community.

What are hangar homes?

Hangar homes are regular homes like you see anywhere in the United States with the exception that they have an airplane hangar either connected to or separately located on the property.

Are hangar homes different than other, regular homes?

Nope. Hangar homes can range from small apartment type homes to large and beautiful mansions. Most are your regular everyday home. Mine has two bedrooms and a large study - a courtyard, a 2 car garage and a 2000 sqft hangar, attached. I've seen homes with many thousands of square feet and others with only 900 to 1100 square feet.

Are there special Codes to follow on Hangar Homes?

Not really. The hangars are usually built to the same standards as a large garage. In many areas if the hangar is greater than 2000 sqft then special commercial type code kick in. Many folks elect to keep their hangars at 2000 or less for that reason.

How do they handle the runways and taxiing the airplane to the runways.

Most communities either have the houses right up against the runway or they are on regular streets. When they want to drive (taxi) their airplane out to the runway they use the same streets that the cars do.

Do cars and airplanes ever get into conflicts?

No. Everyone one gives the airplanes right of way. If you are driving down the street in your care and see an airplane coming, you just drive into a neighbors driveway or off the street and let the airplane go by. They are almost always your friend and there is lots of waving.

Is it noisy at Airport Communities?

Usually not. However there may be times when it is noisy. Sometimes one of the folks will invite guests to fly into the neighborhood and you might see hundreds come in and part up and down the runway. These are special days and we always look forward to them. I recommend double glazed glass in the windows. We rarely hear anything.

Do you store things in the hangar besides your airplane?

Are you kidding? Of course we do.

Are Hangar Homes Ugly?

They can be. But they can also be beautiful. My own home, if you were driving by the front, would not even be recognizable as a hangar home. The entry to the hangar is in the rear. From the front it looks like a regular home. The way I designed it architecturally softened the hangar portion of the home and you honestly can't tell it is one. Drive around to the back and you'll see the large hangar door.

Are Airport Communities Tower Controlled?

Very few are. In our community we have two grass strips. Each pilot announces when he or she is getting ready to use the runway. It is a smooth running and safe operation.

What kind of people live at Airport Communities?

As diverse as any other with the exception that they all have a common interest - aviation. I have found that these are among the tightest and closest communities of friends one will ever have.

How big are the homes and how big are the hangars?

They range from 800 feet right on up. The hangars can be a little more than a garage to large structures that can house many airplanes.

Are the hangars attached to the home?

It's about half and half. Mine is attached. Some folks like to be able to work in their hangars and want to make sure that no smells get into the house. However I have friends who do mechanic work in their hangars, which are attached to the house - no problem. It is really a matter of personal preference.

Are airplanes always expensive to own and to fly?

They can be - but not always. Jet airplanes are rare in airport communities. John Travolta is a well known exception - but most folks have small airplanes. Mine costs about the same as a SUV to run - about 14 miles to the gallon. But I am going much, much fast and have no stop lights?

John Travolta lives in a hangar home. Do you know him?

You're right. He does. He actually lives a few miles from me. You can likely find pictures of his home on the internet. I wouldn't say I know him, but I have met him. Seems like a very nice fellow. Sure loves airplanes.

You will find that airport living is amazingly affordable. If you are a pilot and have ever dreamed of having your little airplane within a few feet of where you sleep and eat, you really need to look into one of these places. They are all over the place - you can find ads in the magazines and on the internet. It is a lifestyle like no other - and you make friends like no other place I know.

Ken Risley, airplane hangar homes, specializes in the designing and engineering of hangar homes throughout the Unites States. Learn more about Dream Home Design, today!