Aircraft Storage: Hangar vs Tie-Down

Compare the costs and benefits of hangaring your aircraft vs tie-down storage.

Storage Options Overview

Hangar Storage

$400-$800/month

Enclosed building with weathertight door. Protects from sun, rain, wind, and hail.

Tie-Down Storage

$50-$200/month

Open parking space with securing cables. Aircraft exposed to weather.

Cost Comparison

Hangar (Typical)

  • Monthly: $600
  • Annual: $7,200
  • Per flying hour (100 hrs/yr): $72

Tie-Down (Typical)

  • Monthly: $100
  • Annual: $1,200
  • Per flying hour (100 hrs/yr): $12

Hangar Storage Advantages

  • ✓
    Weather Protection

    Protected from sun, rain, hail, snow, and wind. Significantly extends aircraft life.

  • ✓
    Reduced Maintenance

    Less corrosion, fabric degradation, and mechanical wear. Lower maintenance costs.

  • ✓
    Better Security

    Locked building. Protects from theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access.

  • ✓
    Resale Value

    Hangared aircraft command higher resale prices due to better condition.

Hangar Storage Disadvantages

  • ✗
    High Cost

    $400-$800/month adds $4,800-$9,600 annually to ownership costs.

  • ✗
    Availability Issues

    Hangar space is often scarce and hard to find at popular airports.

  • ✗
    Less Convenient

    May be far from your preferred flying location.

Tie-Down Advantages

  • ✓
    Low Cost

    Only $50-$200/month. Minimal impact on budget ($600-$2,400/year).

  • ✓
    Always Available

    Tie-down space is readily available at most airports.

  • ✓
    Quick Access

    Walk to your aircraft quickly. No need to open hangars.

Tie-Down Disadvantages

  • ✗
    Weather Exposure

    Sun, rain, wind, hail cause accelerated wear on paint, windscreen, seals.

  • ✗
    Higher Maintenance

    More frequent paint, corrosion repair, and preventive maintenance needed.

  • ✗
    Lower Resale Value

    Weathered aircraft sell for 5-10% less than hangared equivalents.

  • ✗
    Security Risk

    Open parking increases theft, damage, and vandalism risk.

Decision Matrix

Choose HANGAR if:

  • ✓ Planning to own aircraft 10+ years
  • ✓ Aircraft is valuable ($200K+)
  • ✓ Weather is harsh (hail, heavy snow, salt air)
  • ✓ Hangar space is available

Choose TIE-DOWN if:

  • ✓ Budget is tight
  • ✓ Aircraft may be sold in 5 years
  • ✓ Weather is mild
  • ✓ Quick access is priority