Policy on the Non-Aeronautical Use of Airport Hangars

This action clarifies the FAA's policy regarding storage of non-aeronautical items in airport facilities designated for aeronautical use. Under Federal law, airport operators that have accepted federal grants and/or those that have obligations contained in property deeds for property transferred under various Federal laws such as the Surplus Property Act generally may use airport property only for aviation-related purposes unless otherwise approved by the FAA. In some cases, airports have allowed non-aeronautical storage or uses in some hangars intended for aeronautical use, which the FAA has found to interfere with or entirely displace aeronautical use of the hangar. At the same time, the FAA recognizes that storage of some items in a hangar that is otherwise used for aircraft storage will have no effect on the aeronautical utility of the hangar. This action also amends the definition of aeronautical use to include construction of amateur-built aircraft and provides additional guidance on permissible non- aeronautical use of a hangar."