Beck’s Corporate Hangar Design
Background
Beck’s Hybrids, the sixth-largest seed company in the United States, uses corporate aircraft to fly in thousands of farmers from surrounding areas for firsthand experiences at its Noblesville, IN, facilities. The company leased hangar space and paid for fuel and ground services provided by an operator at the Indianapolis Executive Airport.
Challenge
The company’s flight schedule outgrew its leased hangar space, and mounting fuel and ground service costs necessitated a new strategy.
Beck’s required a hangar large enough to house three corporate jets and a helicopter, as well as amenities to take care of customers, fulfill the needs of employees, and accommodate equipment and infrastructure for maintaining the fleet. Any plans to build at the airport needed approvals from regulating agencies, including local authorities and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Solution
Woolpert prepared plans and specifications for the design and development of a state-of-the-art hangar. The project team established an online project document repository to facilitate information sharing with planners and engineers, the owner, multiple construction partners and regulating agencies.
Outcome
The 19,000-square-foot hangar is a two-story, multi-room facility with an elevator and glass overlook into the hangar bay. The aircraft enter and exit through a 120-foot-wide by 28-foot-tall glass overhead door. The hangar features an enclosed fuel system with built-in ventilation around two 12,000-gallon jet A-tanks, and a 40,000-gallon underground storage tank provides water for the fire protection system. The electrical systems contain LED lighting installations with a backup generator, and the offices offer ceiling fans and heated floors. The double-boiler HVAC system and chillers heat the sidewalks and control temperatures across the hangar bay. The hangar’s exterior finishes coordinate with Beck’s existing structures across the U.S.
Benefits
The updates have enabled Beck’s to increase flight service for potential new customers. The ability to fuel and maintain aircraft directly rather than through a third-party provider saves Beck’s in long-term operational costs. Furthermore, the project added much-needed parking spaces at the airport, which is the second busiest in the state.
Client
Indianapolis Executive Airport
Location
Noblesville, IN
Awards
2018 American Association of Airport Executives (Great Lakes Chapter) General Aviation Architectural Project of the Year
Challenge
- Growth outpacing leased hangar space
- Mounting third-party fuel and ground service costs
Solution
- New 19,000-square-foot private hangar
- Enclosed fuel system
- Customer and crew conveniences
Services
- Architectural design
- Structural engineering
- MEP engineering
- Civil engineering
Benefits
- Expanded flight schedule
- Enhanced site amenities
- Self-provided fuel and maintenance
- Reduced operational costs
- Increased parking availability
Insights
Article: Customer-Driven Corporate Hangar Helps Seed Company Grow Its Business