October 2, 2014 - EAA submitted formal comments today to the FAA’s proposed policy regarding non-aeronautical hangar use. EAA’s comments mirror the main points the organization has emphasized over the past two months. EAA is urging the FAA to recognize active homebuilding and restoration projects as approved aeronautical uses for hangars, and to permit hangar tenants and owners at federally obligated airports to have non-aeronautical items in their hangars, provided those items do not detract from the primary aeronautical purpose of the hangar.
The FAA’s proposed policy offers guidelines on appropriate hangar uses under the federal grant assurances, which are land and facility guarantees that all airports receiving federal grants must follow. While the FAA’s proposed policy is notable because it is the first time the FAA has recognized homebuilding as an approved aeronautical purpose, EAA believes that the policy should be expanded in scope to recognize other traditionally accepted uses of hangars at general aviation airports.
This expansion, EAA argues, should include a formal recognition that active homebuilding and restoration projects (not just “final assembly of aircraft”) are permissible aeronautical uses. EAA also argues that once the aeronautical use of a hangar is satisfied, i.e. if the hangar holds an aircraft or an approved aircraft project and cannot reasonably house more aircraft, then the left over space is free to be used for items that contribute to aircraft building, maintenance, and aviation community-based social activities. Additionally, EAA urged the FAA to formally recognize the aeronautical nature of aviation community-based organizations with hangars that provide invaluable safety seminars and community building events such as EAA chapters, Commemorative Air Force chapters, and the Ninety-Nines.
EAA members may still comment on this policy as EAA requested and received an extension to the comment period, which is now open until Monday, October 6.
