News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Upper Cumberland Regional Airport will begin the design phase for the TN Flying Machines hangar this month.
Airport Manager Dean Selby said the airport must complete the hangar within a two-year grant deadline.
“The next step will be the design phase. We should start design probably pretty quick here. Then it will go to bid and then just a standard process from there. I know this grant is a little different from some others,” Selby said. “Because it is an economic grant rather than a standard aeronautics grant. But we are learning our way through it because there are a few things that are a little different.”
Selby said an Aeronautic Economic Grant will cover the cost of the hangar.
“The total grant amount is $880,000 to cover a hangar we are proposed. Its a 100 by 100 with some offices in it and restrooms and a few facilities such as that,” Selby said. “But it’s basic 100 by 100. That’s a pretty good sized hangar.”
Selby said the hangar is a part of a long-term lease with country musician Aaron Tippin.
“The local grant match is covered by our lease payment from the first term from TN Flying Machines. They are actually going to pay the amount to lease the property that is going to be our local match,” Selby said. “So we are going to be net-zero out of pocket. So it is a win-win situation for the airport and for TN Flying Machines.”
Aaron Tippin and TN Flying Machines will use the hangar as a space for restoration of warbirds and antique aircrafts.
