Flagler Executive Airport

The recently completed T-Hangars and taxilanes construction project at Flagler Executive Airport (FIN) marks a significant milestone in the airport’s development. Hoyle Tanner designed and constructed this important project to enhance the airport’s infrastructure and provide much-needed facilities for its users.

T-Hangars, designed to house general aviation aircraft with wingspans up to 40 feet, are in high demand at Flagler Executive Airport. The project addresses a critical need, as more than 200 eager tenants were on a waitlist, showcasing the overwhelming demand for aircraft storage solutions. This high demand underscores the critical need for additional hangar space to accommodate the growing number of general aviation aircraft owners who prefer secure and protected storage for their planes. The airport’s efforts to expand its infrastructure are crucial in meeting the needs of its users and supporting the continued growth of aviation activities in the region.

This project consisted of three 14-unit, T-Hangar buildings and associated taxilanes, access road, utilities, and ADA-compliant restroom facilities. The construction took a little over a year to complete and was successfully finished despite facing several challenges along the way.

Primary Challenges

One of the primary challenges encountered during the project stemmed from supply chain issues. These issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays in the production and delivery of essential materials, which in turn affected the project’s timeline. Along those same lines, labor shortages within the state significantly slowed down the construction of the hangars as the contractor had a hard time finding and keeping the steel building erection crews on site. A total of seven different steel erection crews worked on this project which resulted in time delays, lack of continuity, and a loss of efficiency in the erection process. Further complications included an increased cost in materials, mainly steel and concrete between the bidding and construction phases.

Another significant challenge was the discovery of a discrepancy between the design survey and the actual field conditions of an existing concrete pipe. This oversight necessitated the redesign of a portion of the drainage system, leading to additional delays and unexpected costs.

Positive Outcomes

Despite several challenges that could have derailed the project, it ultimately achieved a highly positive outcome. A key factor in its success was our recommendation to the County to make a direct purchase of the three buildings, ensuring the project’s efficiency. Florida law allows government entities to save on sales tax for public works construction projects through a direct purchase program. This program allows the owner to buy materials and equipment directly from the supplier, instead of through a contractor. The owner can then deduct the value of the purchase order plus taxes saved from the contractor’s contract. By directly purchasing the buildings, the County was able to save $98,000 in taxes. This cost-saving measure helped keep the project on budget by offsetting the additional expenses incurred from the materials increase and drainage system redesign.

In conclusion, the engineering construction project at Flagler Executive Airport stands as a testament to effective project management and resilience in the face of challenges. The successful completion of the T-Hangars and taxilanes will contribute to the airport’s growth and enhance its service offerings for years to come.

Help for your Airport

We’re a partner to bounce ideas off, to brainstorm with, to troubleshoot, and to call with any emergency. Our aviation service capabilities include design, natural resource permitting, document preparation, construction administration, airport management support services, and airport financial analysis.  Please reach out to me if there’s a project at your airport that could use an engineer!