Pilot seeks to reserve a hangar site; authority discusses spot availability and next steps

Randy Hooper, who identified himself as working in the aviation department for Ingram Industries in Nashville and said he runs a local hangar and will retire in the spring, asked the Municipal Airport Authority to reserve space for a 60-by-60 hangar.

Hooper said he plans a personal hangar expected to hold two small aircraft and noted some types (a PC-3) would not fit in a 60-by-60 space. "I have a Stobra here. I have an RV 8 that's almost complete," Hooper said, describing his likely aircraft mix. He also said he offers spin-training instruction locally.

Airport staff told the authority they had reviewed several potential sites with consultant Matt (surname not specified) and said a location east of an existing hangar cluster would align better with other nearby hangars and with taxiway access. Staff also noted utility and sewer-line conditions at two candidate sites and said using the easternmost site reduced utility complications.

The authority did not take a vote; staff said they would work with Hooper on design details and return a formal lease for board approval once utility questions and design standards are settled. Paul (airport manager) said the authority operates on a first-come, first-served basis but that staff could reserve a spot while Hooper completes design work.

Hooper said he hoped to return with a completed lease item at the next meeting. Airport staff said they expected to present a formal lease for authorization after the design review and any necessary engineering checks are complete.