New aviation business park is coming to Spanish Fork

Ground was broken last week for the new Patey Aviation Business Park, located at the Spanish Fork Airport.

“The Patey Aviation Business Park will be a significant leap forward for both the Spanish Fork Airport and private aviation enthusiasts alike,” reads a media release about the project. “This represents a $60 million first phase development of an overall $100 million total project at the airport.”

The project, which is privately funded, will be a benefit to residents of Spanish Fork because the airport’s success means an increased property tax base, according to City Manager Seth Perrins. Also, in some cases, there will be an increase in jobs as industry comes to the airport.

The aviation hub will feature 66 hangars, ranging in price from $350,000 to $3.5 million, catering to the diverse needs of private pilots, according to the media release. The sizes of the hangars will range from 2,200 square feet to 21,000 square feet, with ample space and flexibility to accommodate various aircraft types.

Each hangar will provide access to either a private suite or shared common suite, fostering opportunities for hangar owners to connect, collaborate and share resources. A public restaurant is planned where anyone is invited to dine at the airport with a clear view of landings and takeoffs.

According to Brad Mertz, Patey Aviation project manager, a fuel station will be part of the development, offering discounted fuel for all aircraft types. There will be services for pilot physicals, aircraft maintenance and service areas, detailing and possibly other accommodations for pilots and aircraft.

The park also will have walking paths and the plan is to have a full-size Douglas C-54 on display, which is the plane that Gail Halvorsen, the famous Candy Bomber, flew. Mertz said that with the public restaurant, which will be situated with the best view of where planes land on the runway on one side and a great view of the mountains on the other side, this will be a place where people, pilot or not, will want to come and hang out.

The park project is divided into two phases. The first phase of 66 hangars will be completed in about 12-18 months. Planning for the second phase is already in the works and will begin right after the first phase.

“We’re so grateful and excited for this investment to the Spanish Fork Airport and what will come from the efforts of this group and others,” Perrins said. “We are going to have the greatest general aviation airport in the country.”

The Spanish Fork Airport is the fourth-busiest general aviation airport in Utah with over 90,000 annual operations, more than 300 based aircraft and 133 hangars. The airport hosts special events, such as a monthly airport breakfast, a Young Eagles program for children ages 8-17 and an annual Wings and Wheels air and car show, held every September.

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