Can two RV's fit in a single T-hangar?

jchang10 · #1 11-06-2006, 10:57 AM

I was once told that two RV's could somehow fit inside of a single t-hangar. Instead of 2 RV's, it could have been a high-wing cessna type plane and a low-wing RV.

Can anyone confirm this? Just curious what size hangar was required, and possibly if photos are even available?

Thanks,
Jae

Mike_ExpressCT · #2 11-06-2006, 11:29 AM

At our local airport, the FBO operator hosts a small aerobatic competition during the summer. I've personally seen a Cessna 172 and two Pitts's all fit into a standard T-hagar (door was able to close, but it was a tight fit).

I would imagine that you could fit two RV's (non -10's) into a standard hangar by staggering the wings and/or turning them somewhat sideways, but I've never actually seen anyone try it.

RV7Factory · #3 11-06-2006, 11:47 AM

Jae,

It really depends on the size of the T-hangar. I had a Pitts S-1 and a Citabria in a small T (39' wide). The Pitts fit under the wing of the Citabria, but to get the Citabria out, you had to push the Pitts out first. Here in Livermore you see all sorts of off sharing arrangements. The high-wing low-wing combo is generally ideal for sharing, but again it really depends on what type of plane(s) and what size hangar. Most high wings have struts which will get in the way, which can make sharing difficult.

As Mike said, you could probably fit two 2-place RV's in a small/medium sized T-hangar, but I doubt the -10, with its ~32' span, would fit with much of anything else unless the hangar were fairly large.

One more thing to keep in mind... sharing sometimes forces you to move one airplane to get another one out. If the airplane you are moving is heavy, or the person moving it careless, sharing can be more trouble than it is worth. Just my $.02.

Sam Buchanan · #4 11-06-2006, 01:05 PM

Quote:

I was once told that two RV's could somehow fit inside of a single t-hangar. Instead of 2 RV's, it could have been a high-wing cessna type plane and a low-wing RV. Can anyone confirm this? Just curious what size hangar was required, and possibly if photos are even available?

If I recall correctly, the hangars at DCU are 36x44 and Bob Butler and I can easily get our -6's (and one large R/C plane) in the hangar:

(Ahhh....hangin' at the airport watching the runway lights twinkle....quality time.........(Garrett Smith photo))

For a short time I had my RV-6 in one of these hangars with an Arrow, and even though it was tight, there was a way to fit both planes.

frankh · #5 11-06-2006, 01:26 PM

But I seriously doubt you would get 2* RV's in a Tee hangar.

I was trying to do the same thing with my Zodiac (taking a while to sell it) and there was no way I could make it happen unless I took the wings off one of the airplanes.

You could buy a lift but a new hangar is chaeper around here.

Frank

RV8N · #6 11-06-2006, 02:46 PM

I started out sharing a standard T-hanger (42' door) with a Cessna 152 while building my RV-8. I originally thought they would both go in the hanger but later realized that they wouldn't, not even that close. The "T" cut-outs in the back really limit what you can do.

Karl

Jim P · #7 11-06-2006, 02:51 PM

There was an RV-4 guy at San Carlos, CA (Ed?) with two -4's in a standard Tee. Both RVs had mains on a tracked dolly system that allowed the aircraft to be pushed in an out of the hangar sideways. Ecah track was about 10" apart and each dolly (one under each tire) had a low ramp so you could easily push the aircraft up. Cant the tailwheel at 90 degrees and push it in. Rolling resistence was almost nill. They were nose-to-nose side-to-side, with the wings front-to-back. Not much room between the spinners but it was the coolest arrangement I've seen.

Jim

Ironflight · #8 11-06-2006, 05:09 PM

Years ago, when I had my Grumman AA1B (about the size of a -6A), I shared a "T" with a Tri-Q. Since the Tri didn't have a horizontal tail, there wasn't a problem in the narrow part of the "T", and my wing was just the right height to go between his wing and canard. A very slick arrangment....but it was still very tight.

Paul

rickmellor · #9 11-06-2006, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim P

There was an RV-4 guy at San Carlos, CA (Ed?) with two -4's in a standard Tee. Both RVs had mains on a tracked dolly system that allowed the aircraft to be pushed in an out of the hangar sideways. Ecah track was about 10" apart and each dolly (one under each tire) had a low ramp so you could easily push the aircraft up. Cant the tailwheel at 90 degrees and push it in. Rolling resistence was almost nill. They were nose-to-nose side-to-side, with the wings front-to-back. Not much room between the spinners but it was the coolest arrangement I've seen.

Jim

I think Ed's over at Hayward now, if you're referring to the same guy. He's still got the -4 in there on the tracks and has a smaller racer on the other side. I'm on the row across from him. My -7A is being built along side a Legacy. We've measured and it looks like both will fit in the tee with the wings on. We'll find out soon because it's almost time for my wings to be attached.

-Rick

Tom McCutcheon · #10 11-06-2006, 08:51 PM

We get two RV-4's into one standard "T" hanger. I think the opening is about 40 feet??? Maybe 44 feet and I think the "T" part is 18 feet wide and starts about 18 feet back from the door. We roll both into the hanger and the one on the right has a ramp about 5 inches high under the left wheel to allow the other's horizontal stabilizer & elivator to pass under the left wing. Maybe I'll try to get some accurate measurements and maybe a picture. That will be a first for me trying to get a picture in here. Anyway, the one with the ramp has to be put in first (and taken out last). Works pretty well.