Don Gillam was a man with a mission, and he was used to finding his way through challenges. Employed as a pilot for Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. for nearly 40 years in support of the offshore oil industry, Don knew all about problem-solving, tough weather conditions, and meeting goals. What he didn't know was solid information on how to build the hangars he needed, and to do it with confidence in the product.

"I was going to start out with a simple seven-unit Tee hangar, so I called around to see what was available to construct hangars for business or recreational pilots. I soon learned this is one super-competitive business," Don says. "I got quotes from a number of people who promised a lot, but until you've actually developed detailed plans for hangars, you have a lot to learn."

Don was used to getting a flight plan, an assignment, a client's request, and then accomplishing whatever it was that needed to be done. "When I started the hangar, I actually had to learn that the "complete quote" from a (competitor's) salesman wasn't really all-inclusive. Everything was an "option." I wanted the best product for the money."

Abbeville, Louisiana may seem an unlikely place for Tee hangar units since it's a city of less than 5500 people (and is 25 miles from a major airport), but Don knew the need for a hangar development was valid, so an ongoing project was born, and Erect-A-Tube turned out to be the key element that kept it from becoming an exercise in frustration.

"As a CFII flight instructor, a long-time aircraft owner, and someone who loves this region, I wanted to combine a quality product, excellence in service for the person renting a hangar, and respect for the countryside. Since I would have to include additional investors and integrate them into a condominium concept hangar development, I needed some outstanding teachers with a superior product."

Enter Erect-A-Tube, a company that offered the most support in the form of engineering and construction suggestions, contractor selections and a comprehensive outline of the steps necessary to undertake such a project. "Right from the start, a complete support package including drawings and genuine "full" quote was there for me.

"I had been a hangar renter for a long time, and had endured just about every conceivable combination of structures for housing my plane, so I was willing to do whatever was necessary to build myself a hanger. Fortunately, Erect-A-Tube could match my standards with solid advice and experience and could adapt to my needs."

What Don found at Erect-A-Tube was the company's capability to custom-design and custom-build as a routine service. The design variability is one of the factors that convinced him to go with Erect-A-Tube. "For example," adds Don, "we have a hangar building with four different sizes of doors. To the competitors, that was a situation that sent up red flags. To Erect-A-Tube, it simply meant flexibility was the order of the day."

He also took the opportunity to visit the Erect-A-Tube plant in Illinois. "That's when I knew the best choice was right in front of me. The bi-fold doors that are the genuine key to a successful hangar are all built in jigs, ensuring uniformity. And the employees have been with Erect-A-Tube for extended periods of time, ensuring pride in their product."

Bi-fold doors, interior partition walls, materials, design possibilities and the excellent support through the whole project made Don a very satisfied customer. From start to finish, his hangar project took about a year, including the research, sale, design and final construction. What was meant to be seven-units has turned out to be a 31-unit condominium development. Each hangar is customized to the owner's specs and houses a variety of aircraft.

"I'm very proud of the result, and I'm glad to share this information because I'm not only happy with the work, I've got a waiting list for my hangars."

We’d love to write your story. For more information about Erect-A-Tube and its products that could create your very own story call 800.624.9219 or e-mail us at hangars@erect-a-tube.com.

Poplar Grove | Front Range, Denver | Rock Hill | Abbeville
Centenial, Denver | Westchester County Airport, NY

"Items that were optional on other hangars were standard on Erect-A-Tube."

Erect-A-Tube, Inc. • 701 West Park Street • Harvard, IL 60033
800-624-9219 • 815-943-4091 • fax : 815-943-4095 • hangars@erect-a-tube.com