Palmer airport advisers name Apron D as first candidate for a leased T-hangar lot

The Palmer Airport Advisory Commission on Thursday, Sept. 24, named Apron D as its first candidate for converting open tie-downs into a leased lot for T-hangars, high-density indoor storage for small planes. The commission took no vote, and any conversion needs FAA permission.

The commission's draft minutes say the airport needs more indoor aircraft storage and that Apron D should be the first developed with high-density storage, preferably T-hangars.

Members called Apron D a test case because it would displace only three aircraft. Commission Chair Steve Odean said the aprons face costly reconstruction while generating little money. He said Apron C is too big for a single lease lot and should wait to see how Apron D goes.

Airport Superintendent John Diumenti said Apron C holds 25 or 30 aircraft, and he would not want to replace them with storage for four or six. He favors close to like-for-like replacement.

If Apron D is converted, Diumenti said, the city would take proposals and leave the design to "a creative developer." One commissioner estimated Apron D could hold about 20 T-hangars and Apron C about 40. All T-hangars now on the airport are owned, with none for rent.

"I think that's what we really need at this airport is T-hangers," Commissioner Shannon Jardine said.

Diumenti said he wants the master plan consultants to weigh in first. The plan's survey was expected Sept. 24 to take another month, and Phase 1 should last into next summer. He plans to apply for a Phase 2 grant next year.

He said undeveloped lots off Taxiway November, which are hard to build on, better suit industrial or maintenance hangars because the taxiway can handle 737-sized aircraft.