Flying in the Face of an FAA Order

Owners searching for places to store vintage and collector cars, race or high-performance track cars, or exotics have explored almost every option. Once you run short of space in your own or your friends’ garages, and realize that self-storage facilities are a really poor option for storing cars, what do you do?

For some, the sky’s the limit. This has caused a number of collectors and car owners to turn to excess hangar space. But due to enforcement of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 5190.6B, space likely won’t be available much longer at Monterey Regional Airport.

What is FAA Order 5190.6B?

FAA Order 5190.6B defines the responsibilities airport sponsors have when they accept federal airport grants. In short, it clearly states that aviation facilities must be reserved for aeronautical uses. This includes language that declares, “The primary purpose of an aircraft hangar is aircraft storage.” Basically, the FAA believes that when aircraft are kept in hangars, they are better maintained and therefore safer.

Specifically prohibited under the order is “car and motorcycle storage.” Airport sponsors are directed to “monitor the use of hangars on the airport and take steps to prevent unapproved non-aeronautical uses.”

While airport sponsors still have the discretion to manage their excess hangar space and allow limited non-aeronautical storage, this can’t “interfere with the aeronautical use of the hangar.” Airports that fail to comply with the FAA order risk losing substantial federal funding.

Santa Monica Airport an Exception

But, you say, you’ve heard that car collectors from the upscale communities in West LA rent hangar space at the Santa Monica Airport. That’s true, for now. The airport rents excess hangar space not only for car storage, but also for corporate events, shows, concerts, and even movie shoots.

But that’s about to end. Because the Santa Monica city council — following years of legal battles and protests — has reached an agreement with the FAA to wind down airport operations no later than 2028, and possibly much earlier. The city has already received approval to shorten the runway to limit jet flights. Santa Monica will use the 227-acre property for a park, recreation facilities and more.

Clearance Rescinded in Monterey

In Monterey, the situation is completely different from Santa Monica’s. Hangar space that has been available at busy Monterey Regional Airport is now needed for aeronautical uses. So collectors and car owners that have been renting excess space are likely to be in search of a new place to touch down.

Monterey Motorsport Park on your Approach Path

As you look for new storage options, Monterey Motorsport Park should definitely be on the radar screen. The newly opened, exclusive, upscale garage-condo complex is located immediately adjacent to the airport along Highway 68.

Rather than storing your collection in big, open, sterile hangar space — you’ll be joining your friends and fellow auto enthusiasts in a tightknit, one-of-a-kind car community. Monterey Motorsport Park offers a total of only 86 luxury garage-condos ranging from just under 700 sq. ft. to about 2,100 sq. ft. of space. Amenities include:

• A stylish design with modern clean lines, stone wall treatments and welcoming entry canopies for some units
• Ceilings soaring up to 25 feet, with 14’x14’ or 12’x12’ roll-up doors for easily moving vehicles in and out — and a standard walk-in door for you and your guests
• Mezzanines 13 feet above the garage floor, accessible via an interior staircase. Owners are customizing these large, airy spaces into an office or personal retreat — with TV, sofa, wet bar, and more to enjoy their favorite races or sporting events
• Internet and cable options for web, TV and phone service
• Completely fenced complex with access-controlled entry gates, abundant lighting, video in common areas, and proactive remote guarding
• More productive use of your monthly payments because you’ll be buying, not leasing, your unit — building potentially lucrative long-term equity
• Ability to purchase as a small business to obtain significant tax advantages and extraordinary SBA financing at unheard-of interest rates. Ask for our CC&Rs.

Two-Thirds of Units Already Spoken For

Just months after Monterey Motorsport Park has opened, nearly two-thirds of the garage-condos are gone. So, if you want the best selection, you need to take off right away and set a course for this amazing facility.

Contact our brokerage team for more information or to arrange a tour at your convenience:

• Josh Jones, Mahoney & Associates, [email protected], (831) 233-2196
• Ryan Clark, Cushman & Wakefield, [email protected], (831) 755-1635
• Dennis Chambers, [email protected], (408) 605-6760
• You can also get in touch with Gordon McCall, who’s part of the development team and will be relocating his business — McCall Events — to the community upon build-out, at [email protected] or call (831) 372-9311.
• Or you can contact Ralph Borelli at [email protected] or call (408) 521-7117.