Why Build Out When You Can Build Up?

Av-Stak Systems, of St. Petersburg, FL has introduced an innovative solution to overcrowded ramps and hangars. Their solution? Go vertical.

Using proven technology, they plan to offer multi-story hangars, and feature a fully automated retrieval system. In short, by stacking airplanes on top of each other instead of wingtip to wingtip, you can fit more under the roof.

By partnering with HK Systems, the company expands upon a concept that has been used with great success for years in the boating world. HK Systems specializes in warehousing and materials handling, and has designed systems for such giants as Wal-Mart, Anheuser-Busch, and Ford.

Aircraft are parked on a pallet, and maneuvered into their parking space via Automated Guided Vehicles, which are controlled remotely by the computer. The pallets are designed to contain fuel or oil leaks, and are washed between uses, allowing owners to see any fluids that might have escaped.

Av-Stak's concept is best suited for large, landlocked airports with little or no room for horizontal expansion, a waiting list for hangar space, and hangar rental rates in the $500 per month and higher range. Acres of ramp space that are currently being used for outdoor parking could be converted to secure, enclosed storage.

By shrinking the footprint of the building, the open space could be reused for other aviation related uses or sold to developers for other uses, thus increasing the revenue of the property. Furthermore, at some FBOs, smaller airplanes are being pushed out by jets because large aircraft are more profitable to fuel, house and maintain. The Av-Stak allows both to coexist, and more airplanes equal more fuel, maintenance and rent rolling in.

The structures can range from simple four airplane models, all the way up to hundreds under the same roof. With larger models, the automation would allow for multiple aircraft to be retrieved simultaneously. The system is fully scaleable, and each is designed to the customer's specific needs. A phone or internet based retrieval system would allow owners to call or log in, request their aircraft, and specify the time at which it will be pulled out. Fire suppression systems would be incorporated throughout the hangar.

According to Av-Stak Vice President Steve Lange, who is also an architect who designs the buildings, pricing will be comparable to other hangars. Even with the added technology and equipment necessary for the automation, the units will cost in the area of $60-$80,000 per aircraft. For a fully automated system, the minimum size would be a building with a capacity of 120 aircraft.

At this time, Av-Stak reports a number of interested potential customers, but none have been sold to date.

FMI: www.avstak.com/