Allen County Commissioners Deny KC Aviator Hangar Rental Request

Commissioners raise rates on new hangars and expect private investor to build additional hangar

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:24pm

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The Allen County Commissioners have denied a request from Vince Hill, a Kansas City-based pilot who has rented numerous hangars at the Allen County Airport for over 10 years, to rent the airport's newest hangar. Instead, the commissioners have devised a priority list for potential renters, with preference given to those living in Allen County, raised the rates on the two new hangars from $400 to $600 per month, and decided not to build another hangar as budgeted, instead hoping for a private investor to do so.

Why it matters

The commissioners' decisions could deter potential clients from renting hangars at the Allen County Airport, which has been a major tenant of Hill's Black Horse Aviation business that refurbishes vintage airplanes. Hill has also been a significant contributor to the local community, sponsoring fly-ins and car shows that have benefited the school district's special education programs.

The details

Vince Hill, the owner of Black Horse Aviation, had been waiting several months to hear if he could rent the airport's newest hangar to perform maintenance on an expanded fleet of vintage aircraft. However, the commissioners decided to create a priority list for potential renters, with preference given to those living in Allen County. They also raised the rates on the two new hangars from $400 to $600 per month, and decided not to build another hangar as budgeted, instead hoping for a private investor to do so.

  • Last week, Hill told commissioners he wants to grow his business here and that he'd like to rent the airport's newest hangar.
  • Last fall, Hill sponsored 'Warbirds and Wheels,' which featured a display of vintage aircraft and hot rods. Proceeds from its food sales, an estimated $2,500, went to the local school district's special education programs.
  • In 2022, Hill held a fly-in that honored Vietnam veterans, showcasing military aircraft from 1971 and 1972.

The players

Vince Hill

A Kansas City-based pilot who has rented numerous hangars at the Allen County Airport for over 10 years and owns Black Horse Aviation, a business that refurbishes vintage airplanes.

Allen County Commissioners

The governing body of Allen County, Kansas, who made the decision to deny Hill's request to rent the airport's newest hangar, raise rates on new hangars, and not build another hangar as budgeted.

Robert Poydack

The Allen County Airport Manager who expressed concerns about hangar rental rates to the commissioners.

Jerry Daniels

An Allen County Commissioner who was the lone dissenter in opposing the higher hangar rental rates and expecting a private investor to build a new hangar.

David Lee

An Allen County Commissioner who, along with John Brocker, voted in favor of the higher hangar rental rates and not building a new hangar.

John Brocker

An Allen County Commissioner who, along with David Lee, voted in favor of the higher hangar rental rates and not building a new hangar.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.