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Plans Discussed for Repair of Tillamook Hangar B

Restoration of the massive, World War II-era wooden structure in Oregon is projected to cost up to $50M.

Tillamook Air Museum
Tillamook Air Museum [Credit: Tedder/Wikimedia Commons]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A powerful December windstorm severely damaged the roof of Hangar B at the Tillamook Air Museum, leading to its indefinite closure due to safety concerns.
  • Immediate repairs, including debris removal and temporary patching, are estimated to cost between $2.5 million and $5 million, while long-term reroofing could reach $30 million to $50 million.
  • Repairing the 1940s-era wooden hangar, one of the largest on the planet, is a complex and lengthy process requiring specialized equipment and adherence to historical preservation standards.
  • Museum and port officials are seeking immediate funding and equipment for temporary fixes and are launching a "Save Hangar B" campaign to secure significant state and federal grants for the extensive restoration.
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In December a powerful windstorm struck the Oregon coast, tearing open the roof of Hangar B at the Tillamook Air Museum. According to museum director Rita Welch, officials and the Port of Tillamook Bay, the owners of the hangar, have spent the last month taking steps to protect the property stored inside and assessing the damage and repair strategies.

The estimated total repair costs are projected to be between $2.5 million and $5 million.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

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