The inability to get a hangar at Double Eagle II Airport (KAEG) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, led to the creation of a new company: High Flying Hangars, which will bring the first new commercial development to the airport in more than 25 years.
According to a story at No Plane No Gain, a joint general aviation advocacy initiative of the National Business Aviation Association and General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the hangar project began in late 2019 when Jack Hinkes and a friend started taking flying lessons from his father, Kenny, a longtime professional pilot and CFII. After buying a Cessna 172 to train in, Hinkes called the FBO about leasing a hangar.
“I asked the woman who answered, ‘Hey, can I get one of those T-hangars?’” he recalled. “And she laughed at me.”
As with many general aviation airports, KAEG’s existing 158 T-hangars were fully occupied with a years-long waiting list.
However, Hinkes and his father, who are also real estate developers, saw an opportunity.
They found a 25-acre parcel south of KAEG’s control tower, founded High Flying Hangars, and spent three years getting the project in motion.
They recently broke ground on the first 10 hangars — which are already sold out — and are already planning Phase II, which will include another 14 hangars. Further hangars could be built if the demand is there, they said.
For more information: KAEGHangars.com
Outstanding. I’ve tried to get my local GA airport authorities to allow private construction of hangars and there is no interest. I’d buy an airplane but only when I have an affordable hangar. There are none to be found within 50 miles of my home. The FAA ought to be forced to make all taxpayer-funded airports accept privately-funded hangars.
I had this problem when I approached the city officials who own our airport. Their attitude was “we don’t allow private hangars”. After me talking with the FAA and them writing a letter to the airport mgr. stating they must allow private hangars if the is land available, I finally was able to lease the land and build my hangar. There are now seven private hangars at our airport. Don’t take no for an answer! The taxpayers own the airport, not the bureaucrats who think they do!