Professional Pilot, February 2019

Calling ahead on Unicom is a great way to save time with an anticipated arrival Let the FBO know youre coming and the line staff will have the fuel service ready and available Youll fi nd you will also receive quicker and more effi cient service You want those well trained line techs as well as courteous CSRs There is an ATP FBO App that I have found to be a major benefi t in obtaining quick and effi cient service Bert Botta ATP CFI Gulfstream G200 Captain NetJets Petaluma CA Excellent line service is certainly one of the important factors that brings me to an FBO Also fuel prices must be competitive And I really appreciate having crew cars available so I can get out and about before my departure Responsive CSRs also contribute to a pleasant FBO stop and make the departure go well to continue the fl ight or to call it a day and rest up at a nearby hotel Jerry Kostrana ATP King Air B100 Pilot UP Development Deland FL Most important for me at an FBO is highly professional line service friendly CSRs who seem to be able to accommodate just about any request thats given to them and a nice facility thats clean and comfortable are worth their weight in gold in my opinion Keven Christopherson ATP CFI King Air B200 Chief Pilot Pacifi cCorp South Jordan UT 24 PROFESSIONAL PILOT February 2019 I have to admit that our tech stop FBO selections are most often driven by fuel price But after that were looking for a well trained line crew friendly CSRs and a clean terminal with amenable services Paul McVay ATP CFII Hawker 800XP Gulfstream II Lead Captain Clay Lacy Aviation Watertown CT Costs of fl ight operations are important So when I choose an FBO I make sure I check for low fuel prices Also if it is a tech stop I want to save time and expect to have a quick turn Samuel Pennella ATP Beechjet 400 Chief Pilot 400 HH Inc Lebannon NJ When I make plans to bring my aircraft to an FBO Im looking for 1 The earned reputation of the FBO for both maintenance and service And 2 Good fuel prices Marshal Adkins Comm Multi Inst King Air 90L Baron 58 Chief Pilot Mountain State Insurance Agency Hurricane WV I look at the amenities and the condition of the FBO Fuel prices and other ground service fees are important to consider as well I dont necessarily look for the lowest fuel prices but I want fair fuel prices and other fees that are in line with what is offered Well staffed line service personnel are very important and you want them readily available so that youre not searching for help when it is needed Charlie Polkingkorn ATP Gulfstream G200 Chief Pilot FIMCO Industries Sioux City IA While fuel price certainly plays a part to a point more importantly having well trained and helpful line personnel who care about your needs form the most essential element for a successful FBO in my opinion And after you have the aircraft parked it is great to be met inside the FBO terminal by CSRs who have bright outgoing personalities and greet you with a What can I do to help make your day better attitude These are the people factors that bring me back to an FBO Kenny Hicks ATP Citation II CJ4 Captain Contract Aviation Services Centreville AL I want to know the reputation of the FBO What are this FBOs prices on fuel and other services Does this FBO offer crew cars Is there good food on base or nearby Will I have a clean hotel close to the airport or on the airport if I need it But especially important is the professional training of the line crew and the CSRs Craig Randall ATP Helo CFI Citation XLS Bell 206 Chairman Rexford Penn Group Lyons OR Clay Lacy VNY Van Nuys CA has every possible service including air charter and aircraft management from famed Clay Lacy and his dedicated staff Fast fuel fi ne catering quick turns Photo by Rafael Henriquez Photo by Jose Vasquez Jet Aviation at TEB Teterboro NJ is the corporate aircraft gateway for New York City Busy yes but personalized service and quick turns are the rule