North America has dozens of major airports connecting to many domestic and international destinations. The country is also dotted with thousands of private, municipal and rural regional airports and airstrips that provide various services, including passenger services for public or private transport. Some of these airports provide air service for commercial, cargo and even transportation to remote mining and research station operations. All these airports depend on accessibility and the ability of their aircraft to arrive and depart safely and on time.
Airports, big or small, benefit from the availability of services on the ground. Airports without traditional hangar space can benefit from the use of tension fabric aircraft hangars. They provide space for short or long-term aircraft storage, for use during weather delays or unplanned layovers, or where ground service is needed day or night. The Allsite aircraft hangar allows air carriers to store or service their aircraft 24/7 at any small airport while enjoying the same service benefits as traditional hangars at larger airports.
Here is what we cover in this post:
- Private Airports: The role of private airports in the aviation industry and their safety requirements.
- Small Public Airports: Importance of Federal Essential Air Services and Small Community Air Service Development (EAS/SCASDP) Programs
- Benefits of Fabric Airplane Hangars for Small Operators and Airports.
- Conclusion: Summary of the importance of ground services for small airports and the benefits of fabric aircraft hangars.
Rural Air Service Programs Help Provide Air Service to All
Private Airports
The aviation industry is a significant part of the US economy, with private and public airports contributing to the industry’s growth.
There are over 5,000 public airports in the US and almost 15,000 private airports. Private airports service corporate, personal or hobbyist flights that generally use smaller craft carrying fewer than 30 people. These airports may offer flight training, host cargo services, or other small commercial operations. They generally will not offer commercial flight services for the general public but may offer private flights for charter or other purposes. Nevertheless, private airports must register with the FAA and meet regulatory safety requirements.
The aviation industry has seen considerable growth in private air travel in recent years, with more and more travelers opting for the convenience and comfort of private flights. Many passengers enjoy private air travel for the convenience and comfort. These flights help passengers avoid the hassle and crowds with commercial flights. The private flights may include door-to-door transportation to and from the airport, and the service is always personalized. For many, choosing a private flight is also a chance to avoid the crowds and hassle of the major airports and airlines. Of course, these flights are more expensive, but they offer a viable alternative to many travelers, and demand is growing.
Small Public Airports
The smaller regional public airports run by local airport authorities play an important role in the aviation industry by providing essential air services to smaller communities. These airports offer a number of commercial air flights to the general public, although the frequency may be limited to once a day or less. In many cases, passengers are transported to a nearby major airport to catch connections to their ultimate destination.
The aviation industry heavily relies on the Federal Essential Air Services (EAS) program to provide commercial air service to smaller communities. The EAS program started in 1978 following the Airline Deregulation Act, which allowed airlines to determine their own routes. The program incentivizes air carriers to serve small communities by subsidizing two daily flights that can carry 30-50 passengers, or more daily flights if smaller aircraft are used. Although there are restrictions that limit airline participation, the EAS program provides vital connections for local residents to the outside world, which is critical for the aviation industry. Currently, 60 communities in Alaska and 115 in the lower 48 states provide commercial flight services to the public under this program.
Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) is an important alternative program for small airports that may not meet the requirements for the Federal Essential Air Services (EAS) program. This program, which provides grants for airport development to local airport authorities, allows for more flexibility in commercial flight services. It can help airports in the aviation industry to improve their facilities and services, which can lead to increased traffic and better connections for local residents. SCASDP is another example of the government’s efforts to support small airports and communities in their transportation needs.
Fabric Airplane Hangars Benefit Small Air Services Providers
Clearly, small airports and independent carriers play a key role in air transportation and cargo delivery in the US and North America. These smaller operations may compete with larger and well-funded airlines for business and airspace. Most are niche service providers, serving specific markets or offering customized services. In the aviation industry, as in all businesses, keeping costs low and operations efficient are key factors in being successful.
Whether an air carrier is a larger airline servicing a small airport through EAS, or a single craft local carrier providing private passenger or cargo services at a small airport, having access to hangar facilities on the ground can make the difference in keeping the aircraft in top shape and keeping flights in the air and on schedule, helping to optimize revenues. Aircraft hangars protect aircraft during extreme weather conditions, such as snow and ice, so they can be more quickly and safely made ready for flight.
For independent and small operators, home-basing aircraft at small airports is far less costly than leasing space at major airports. Tension fabric airplane hangars are a great way to create hangar space, whether for temporary or permanent use, at any airport or airstrip. Fabric structures provide ample indoor space that can accommodate most size aircraft for any aircraft hangar needs, including airplane storage, shelter from the weather, turn-around servicing, indoor workspace for ground crews, or to house grounded aircraft awaiting repair.
Tension fabric aircraft hangars are high clearance and clear span, with no internal posts or impediments so that all interior space is available for aircraft, equipment, supplies and personnel. With sizes as large as 156 feet in width, you determine the size of your hangar. These high quality modular frame buildings can be configured and delivered within weeks. The lightweight aluminum frame means easy transport to anywhere they are needed, including remote and hard to reach airport or airstrip locations. The Allsite fabric hangar installation is quick and easy, usually completed within a few weeks. Installation can even take place with the aircraft in place, as the frame is lifted into place with wheel or crane lift.
Sturdy construction means the Allsite aircraft hangar will provide decades of low maintenance service. The hangar’s taut, aerodynamic design makes it resistant to high wind load and gives it the ability to shed snow and rain. The structure’s horizontal tension keeps the fabric taut, so there is no flapping of material in the wind. And, with the frame’s bolted connections that give the structure its high stability, there is no rattling or creaking of the building. In addition, the heavy duty PVC fabric’s white color reflects UV rays, allowing the interior to stay cooler. With lighting, ventilation and doorway options available, the hangar can be set up to best meet your needs.
An Allsite tension fabric airplane hangar is a great option for aircraft operations, especially those that require Aircraft fabric covering. By choosing an Allsite hangar, running operations at small airports can save time and money, be more convenient, and be just as efficient as having access to large airport facilities. For more information on Allsite tension fabric aircraft hangars, contact us today at 1-888-532-0472.
