Could we install Ensign hangars at Morgan, Logan or Heber?

[Bret Hess]

We'd like to hear views on whether the airports' plans, policies, politics allow us to pursue getting Ensign hangars like the ones at Nephi at these airports.  We'll worry about raising the money later, but if you have lease information, please share.  

Bret

[Dan Thirkill]

Morgan pursued the idea of an ensign hangar some years ago.  This was when the club had available funds and the airfield had available space.  The spot agreed to by the airfield manager was the area occupied by the club shed.  At the time, there was no issue concerning airport plans, policies or politics.  However, subsequent aircraft incidents depleted available club funds and the ensign hangar idea was shelved.  Since that time, available space at the airfield has diminished.   The club shed is no longer an option as it is surrounded by a myriad of 'stuff' randomly stored as well as a snowplow parking structure.  Damaged aircraft take up adjacent parking areas.  Optimistically, it is possible that if the damaged aircraft were removed (and the location's new use approved by the county), a t-hangar could be built and placed.    

Dan 

[John Ackerson]

I worked on getting Ensign Hangers in Heber for the past three years.  I have a layout design on the master airport layout plane that can fit 7 ensign hangers.  Heber city airport went through a FAA master plan redesign taking our airport from a B2 classification to a C2.   The good part of the new FAA approved design is we now have a 2 acre plot of dirt designated for glider usage.   My project was overcoming obstacles and hurdles left and right until I calculated the potential final cost.    I cancelled the projects a few months ago due to the city's storm drain requirements pushed my hanger cost way over $50K each if I build all 7.  It would cost significantly more per hanger if I built less hangers.    I was not willing to take the financial risk of building hangers I could not sell all of them.   Due to the tow plane question after the 2026 season, the pure glider owners were not enthusiastic about buying a hangar at an airport with a questionable tow plane future.   Heber might end up being a motorglider paradise as the motor glider owners were less concerned about the cost.  If Heber gets a new city engineer that would be more reasonable with storm water requirements, I might restart the build process.  Hanger space in Heber is the most expensive in the entire state of Utah due to surging demand and a wait list of over 200 pilots.  This is also a huge threat for our future tow plane storage as hanger space is very limited. The Heber pilots do not have an obvious path after Dave's hanger lease expires at the end of 2026 flying season.  We are committed to crossing that path when we get there but there is no easy solution at the moment. 

John Ackerson

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[Bret Hess]

Pulling in two comments that ended up in another thread:

Robert Kidd:   Observations at Logan would lead me to believe they would not grant a lease for an Ensign hangar.  They seem to have tightened up on what they will allow, and seem to be headed towards newer, fancier hangars.  Rumor has it they won't allow Cleary Hangars anymore.  Seems to be headed towards larger commercial hangar use.  I can make some inquiries and see what response I get back.

Robert

Bill Goodrich:  Even if they would put shade hangers in it would be a big plus for all the airplanes

[Bret Hess]

The drain requirements at Heber apply even if the hangars are in a dirt/gravel area like at Nephi? 

[Bret Hess]

Do you think Logan wants large commercial hangars to attract jets?  Does the airport get more money per sq ft for larger hangars?

[Steve Rathbun]

They do. I worked on the site plan with John to get the permit at Heber.

 

Now if the site is dirt, the percolation rate is a lot better so the storm water detention volume required is a lot lower.

 

But all the rules will still apply including treatment of the water.

 

Steve Rathbun (R5)

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[Steve Rathbun]

Jets are a lot more profitable to the City than gliders and small aircraft could ever be. The elite class and their private jets throw money around like its nothing. Once the City realizes that their airport is a cash cow, the officials will favor the “highest and best use”.

 

Moreover, If you look at the square footage required for an Ensign hangar layout, it is a very inefficient use of the available square footage of the site. So if you make a comparison of $/sq ft it makes it undesirable to the City.

 

Steve Rathbun (R5)

 

From: utah-s...@googlegroups.com <utah-s...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Bret Hess
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2025 10:54 AM
To: Utah Soaring <utah-s...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [Utah-Soaring discussion] Re: Could we install Ensign hangars at Morgan, Logan or Heber?

 

Do you think Logan wants large commercial hangars to attract jets?  Does the airport get more money per sq ft for larger hangars?

 

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[John Ackerson]

Sadly yes, that’s that part that they go by the book dotting I’s and crossing T’s even it makes no sense at all and will be completely unnecessary.   They actually agree that it is completely unnecessary but the code has no allowance for a variation for now.

On Fri, Jul 18, 2025 at 10:49 AM Bret Hess <bret...@gmail.com> wrote:

The drain requirements at Heber apply even if the hangars are in a dirt/gravel area like at Nephi? 

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[William Goodrich]

On a lighter note.... I have bought a powerball ticket and if I win 300 mil I will splurge for a hanger, right after I buy an ATR 72-600.  In the meantime I will bring the buns if you bring the hamburgers.

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