Why Aviation Companies Use Fabric Structures
Here at Big Top, we’ve been custom designing fabric hangars and sunshades for the U.S. military and aviation companies since our founding in 1979. Our shelters are prized by fixed-base operators thanks to the many benefits they provide for maintaining and storing aircraft. For instance, our hangars and sunshades offer:
Outstanding Protection from Sun Exposure
The fabric roof of our buildings is formulated to block 99.95 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation. By shielding your aircraft from the harmful effects of sun exposure, our shelters will help maintain the vibrancy of your aircraft’s paint jobs and prolong the lifespan of its electronics. Your crew will appreciate this benefit, as they’ll have a comfortable environment to perform their duties. In fact, our hangars and sunshades maintain a pleasant interior temperature that is on average 15 degrees cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than the outside temperature.
Versatility & Mobility
Big Top’s fabric shelters can be anchored directly to asphalt, allowing them to be conveniently located directly on the flight line. Based on the specs of your aircraft, Big Top can design a structure that will provide the proper clearance for its wings and tail, allowing adequate room to perform maintenance and storage. Big Top can also offer several door systems for your hangar to provide the best option for your aviation needs.
Cost Savings Compared to Traditional T-Hangars
Our fabric shelters require fewer materials to build, and they do not require an outside contractor for construction, which can translate to significant cost savings when compared to building a traditional T-hangar. Furthermore, the fabric roof is translucent and will illuminate the interior with natural sunlight, minimizing the need for artificial lighting and reducing energy costs. And, you’ll enjoy low maintenance costs over the lifetime of your hangar, compared to traditional hangars.
Why Aviation Companies Choose Us
With all these great benefits, it’s easy to see why aviation companies rely on our hangars and sunshades for their operations. And, when you partner with Big Top, you’ll experience turnkey services that will help you make the most of your shelter, including:
- Design – We don’t use cookie-cutter templates for our shelters. Rather, we’ll custom design one to your exact specifications, whether you need a small sunshade for a single vehicle or an expansive hangar for a whole fleet of aircraft.
- Installation – We’re happy to build your shelter for you, or we can provide onsite training for your own assembly crew.
- Tech support – Long after your hangar or sunshade is built, we can provide guidance on expanding, or relocating the building.
- Financing and warranty protection – We offer financing options to make your purchase more affordable, as well as warranties to protect your investment.
Approved for Use by the U.S. Military
Big Top’s fabric hangars and sunshades are approved by the USACE as being compliant with U.S. Air Force Sunshade Management (AFSM), Air Force Instruction (AFI), and IBC, and they’re Berry Amendment compliant for military use.
To learn more about how our fabric shelters are used by the U.S. military and aviation industry, contact Big Top today. When you do, be sure to ask how your new sunshade or hangar can qualify you for tax benefits.
