Have You Ever Considered Living Full Time inside an Aircraft Hangar?
The Strangest and Most Odd Places
Strange and Unusual Homes
Going far back in history, people have always displayed cleverness and resilience when it comes to finding unique places to call home sweet home. Hangar living aside, here are just three examples of the strangest and most odd places people have turned into homes. These strange and unusual abodes highlight human creativity and adaptability in the face of challenging environments, showcasing just how far people are willing to go to create a place to call their own.
The Catacombs of Paris
Deep beneath the busy streets of Paris lies a creepy sort of network of tunnels called the Catacombs, which contain the skeletal remains of more than six million people. During the late 18th century, because of overcrowded cemeteries, the remains or bones were moved to these hidden tunnels, which eventually became a famous tourist attraction. However, some people have, in a weird way, decided to make these spooky underground passages their homes. In recent years, urban explorers and squatters have been discovered living in these dark, damp tunnels, using hidden chambers to create makeshift homes complete with furniture and even electricity. Living in such a macabre environment is certainly one of the most bizarre living arrangements of modern times.
The Cave Homes of Spain
In the little town of Guadix, found in the south of Spain, there exists a group of ancient cave dwellings. Carved directly into the soft sandstone hills, these peculiar living spaces date back hundreds of years and were originally created by the Moors. To this day, some families still occupy these cave style homes, which offer natural insulation against both the summer heat and winter chill. Despite their unconventional look and location, these homes are surprisingly up-to-date on the inside, often featuring modern amenities like full kitchens and bathrooms. Living in these caves allows residents to stay comfortable in the summer, while the unique structures offer impressive privacy and seclusion.
The Floating Homes of the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a history of offering creative solutions for living around water, with the floating homes of IJburg in Amsterdam being a testament to this innovativeness. Constructed on artificial islands, these modern floating homes are designed to manage the rising sea levels that are a constant threat to much of the country. Made from eco-friendly materials, these homes are fully equipped with solar collection panels and energy-efficient designs. What makes them particularly special is that they float on water, thereby delivering a completely different living experience as compared to traditional surface-based structures. While living on the water might seem like a dream for some, the constant proximity to water and the challenge of balancing stability with mobility make these homes perhaps the oddest and most innovative places people have turned into spots to live.
The P-51 Mustang
These are all certainly uniquely odd places to live, but what about living full-time in an actual aircraft hangar? Is it even allowed, and is it even financially feasible? We will answer these questions and more, but first, we turn to the silver screen. We all remember the blockbuster summer film 2022 that showcased Tom Cruise, in Top Gun: Maverick, living in an actual aircraft hangar. The hangar is where he also happens to park his vintage restored World War II plane. Note that the P-51 Mustang that appears in the film belongs to Cruise. Tom earned his pilot’s license soon after filming the original Top Gun, another blockbuster, in 1986.
Local Zoning Laws and Such
The short answer to the questions posed here is yes, it is possible to live in an aircraft hangar. However, local zoning codes and laws do create some unique challenges. The main obstacle is the regulations set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In simple terms, federally funded and regulated airports do not permit hangars to be used as residences. And because more than 1,000 airports nationwide were given funding by the FAA in fiscal 2024, that greatly limits opportunities for on-airport hangar home construction.
Pilot Resting Facility or Aircrew Quarters
That said, the FAA does offer some residential exceptions. For example, remote airports are permitted to have an “on-airport residence for a full-time airport manager, watchman, or airport operations staff.” Then, of course, there is a policy grey area: “The FAA differentiates between a typical pilot resting facility or aircrew quarters versus a hangar residence or hangar home. The former are designed to be used for overnight and/or resting periods for aircrew, and not as a permanent or even temporary residence.”
Operating in the Grey
Therefore, a pull-out style couch/bed, a mini fridge, and a television are acceptable under certain FAA regulations. Some pilots might be indeed operating in the grey between a residence and a resting facility in their hangars, but they are doing so while keeping it under tight wraps. The good news is that there are other options when it comes to living in an aircraft hangar full-time. It is the airpark or fly-in community option that seems to work the best in this regard.
Unlimited Access
Throughout the country, there are hundreds of residential zoned airparks or fly-in communities made for pilots and aircraft owners who want easy access to flying at will. Many of the properties within these communities feature attached hangars, while others have detached structures next to their homes. The most crucial distinction is that these airparks have a runway, which affords aviators virtually unlimited access to the friendly skies.
Luxury Homes and Multiple Runways
Some fly-in developments are nothing more than a few homes and a gravel runway, while others boast hundreds of luxury homes and multiple runways. Florida’s Spruce Creek is an excellent example of a premium development that offers world-class aviation related homes and facilities.
Private Paved Runway
The airpark has over 1,300 exclusive homes and includes a private paved runway. It also has its own private golf course, tennis courts, and several social clubs for residents to enjoy. Pricing varies greatly depending on the property of interest. Some airpark homes can be had for well under $1 million dollars, while others can easily top out at $5 or $10 million or more.
Purchasing a Dream Home
Finding and purchasing your dream home in an airpark or fly-in community requires a mix of aviation savvy and real estate expertise. Here’s an easy step-by-step way to make it all happen:
Research Airparks
Begin by finding regions of the country with airparks or fly-in communities. Search in the areas that suit your likes and hobbies. Also, consider how many days per year there is favorable weather for flying.
Learn Local Regulations
Each airpark has different rules regarding airstrip usage, aircraft storage, noise restrictions, and land zoning. Make sure you familiarize yourself with these regulations, as they can vary from community to community.
Engage an Experienced Realtor
Find an aviation realtor with specialized experience in airpark properties. They can guide you on the local market, negotiate prices, and help you tour homes that meet your aviation needs.
Consider the Airstrip
Pay attention to the size, condition, and accessibility of the airstrip. Ensure it can accommodate your aircraft type. Some airparks may have runways for smaller planes, while others support larger aircraft operations.
What About Amenities and Infrastructure
Look for necessary amenities like hangars, tie-downs, and maintenance services. Also, consider the community’s social aspects and whether it fits your unique lifestyle.
Financing
Secure financing through banks that specialize in aviation-related properties, as some traditional lenders might be unfamiliar with airpark-specific requirements.
Finally, while you may not be Tom Cruise or have his deep pockets, one thing is sure, and that is that living in a hangar is probably easier than you thought.
