As the Chickasaw Nation’s business ties continue to grow at the national level, tribal leaders determined the time was right to expand and upgrade their fleet of private aircraft, as one tool to advocate for tribal interests across the country. This step, in turn, created the need for a new flight operations hangar to replace an outdated facility at the municipal airport of the tribe’s headquarters in Ada, OK.

Developed by FSB*, the new hangar design was coordinated with the Nation’s chief pilot, the City of Ada and airport management, and it is one of the first steps in a larger overall plan to upgrade and expand the entire airport. The hangar is located adjacent to the airport’s new terminal building and is designed to accommodate two Lear jets, one King-Air and a Falcon 2000LX.

Built with a stone veneer and metal paneling consistent with other Chickasaw Nation facilities, the building features a vertical lift fabric door printed with a translucent Chickasaw logo, allowing natural daylight into the hangar bay. This bay can be used to park, wash and maintain the aircraft, and features a large tool room for storage of aircraft maintenance equipment.

A covered passenger drop-off entrance leads into a welcoming vestibule with a reception desk and large waiting area. A separate rest area, where crew members can shower and sleep between flights, is incorporated into the design, along with a large conference room and break area. Administrative and office space is provided for the pilots, crew and for flight planning and scheduling.

*Project completed by Jason Holuby as part of FSB Architects + Engineers.