1. Start with the application

First, decide what the building is for. The product description covers hangars used for aircraft storage or as a maintenance workshop. The published range of hangar and aircraft storage building types includes:

• Single-unit hangars
• Multi-unit hangars
• Roof-only hangars
• T-hangars
• Corporate commercial aircraft facilities

The description covers aircraft from small single-engine planes up to large jets. In practice, the aircraft you plan to house sets most of the other specifications. Have its wingspan, length, tail height and any future fleet changes ready before you ask for a design.

2. Clear span, eave height and frame layout

According to the product description, steel aircraft hangars often need higher eave heights, clear-span widths and large doors. The published options include:

• Clear-span framing for open interior space with no columns in the way of the aircraft
• Taller eaves for larger aircraft
• Single span, double span or multi span designs
• Light steel structure or heavy steel structure, chosen to suit the project
• Mezzanines as a special feature

Selection check: Give the supplier the exact clear width, clear height and door opening your aircraft and ground equipment need. Ask for these numbers to appear in the design drawings. The source materials do not publish fixed maximum spans or heights, so do not assume one.

3. Door system

The door often controls the hangar design. The published door options include sliding doors, rolling doors, bi-fold doors, hydraulic doors, stack leaf doors and commercial siding door options. Tell the supplier early whether you need a full-width opening, how often the door will be used, and what wind exposure the site has, so the frame around the opening can be designed to suit.

4. What the standard package includes

The product description lists these standard inclusions:

• Engineered plans and drawings
• Primary and secondary framing
• Roof and wall sheeting with siphon groove
• Complete trim and closure package
• Long-life fasteners
• Mastic sealant
• Ridge cap
• Pre-marked parts

The supplier says it also provides computer-produced drawings that give an engineer the information needed to prepare a proper foundation. Foundation work is still the buyer's responsibility, so budget for a local engineer and contractor.

5. Customizable options

The published optional items include insulation packages, insulated metal panels, thermal blocks, doors, windows, vents, fans, skylights, solar panels, gutters and downspouts, exterior finishes, lean-tos, ridge vents, wainscot and canopies. Choose them based on climate, maintenance activity and how long people will work inside the building. List every option you want in the quotation request so that quotes can be compared fairly.

6. Overhead crane support

If the hangar will also be a maintenance workshop, it may need lifting equipment. The supplier offers overhead cranes and says their capacity generally goes up to 300 tons. Crane loads change the structure. You need to specify the rated load capacity, lifting height and span at the start, so the building can be designed to carry the crane system. The product description states that the crane and runway system bring extra costs for design, fabrication, delivery and installation.

7. Design standards and local requirements

The product listing names AISI, ASTM, BS, DIN, GB and JIS as standards. It is not a statement that any particular project complies with any particular local building code. Projects in the United States, the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia each have their own approval rules. Tell the supplier which standard applies to your project, what wind, snow and seismic loads apply at your site, and whether local engineering review is required. Get these confirmed in writing.

8. Installation scope: confirm before ordering

The hangar product description says that the supplier prepares construction plans, schedules and manages fabrication, and coordinates delivery. It also says the supplier does not aid in construction, but provides detailed drawings and technical support while the building is erected. Ask whether installation is part of your contract or whether you need a local erection crew.

When this product may not fit

• You need fixed prices, a guaranteed delivery date or certain certifications before you can shortlist a supplier.
• Your project requires the supplier to carry out construction on site.
• Your aircraft dimensions or crane loads are not known yet. A custom design cannot be properly specified until they are.

Quotation checklist

1. Aircraft type(s), dimensions and future fleet plans
2. Required clear span, eave height and door opening
3. Door type (sliding, rolling, bi-fold, hydraulic, stack leaf)
4. Single, double or multi span; light or heavy steel; mezzanine needs
5. Insulation, ventilation, lighting and finish options
6. Overhead crane rated load, lifting height and span, if needed
7. Applicable design standard and site loads
8. Installation responsibility and technical support terms

With these points settled, you can compare a Customized Steel Airplane Hangar proposal on its actual specifications rather than on general claims.