Why FBO Etiquette? The Unwritten Rules of Private Aviation

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Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 40

@e3aviationassociation 4 ай бұрын

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@fivestringslinger 4 ай бұрын

As a private pilot, current MRO maintenance tech, and former line service tech. I definitely have some pet peeves that I'll share in addition to the ones listed here! In no particular order: 1) I'll echo the sentiment to follow the marshal's instructions and park where you're directed. You don't know exactly what's going on at that location. 2) Don't dump your sump fuel, ice buckets/coolers, coffee carafes or urine jugs on the ramp. Especially in the winter time where the latter ones turn to ice! Plus it's gross. C'mon guys. 3) When departing, if the line techs are busy elsewhere (we do try but it happens), please have the courtesy of picking up your wheel chocks and cones and don't just leave them in the middle of the ramp. At the very least, stack the cones to one wingtip and place the wheel chocks next to them. Don't leave them for someone else to run over. And don't fire up and blow your tailcone across the ramp. We had another aircraft get damaged like that once. 4) Taxi out to the run-up pad to do your run-up. Don't do it on the ramp. Not only is it loud and obnoxious but it also turns any stray FOD into projectiles that could injure someone or damage other aircraft. 5) If you're leaving the property right away and requesting fuel while you're gone, please unlock your fuel doors/caps. 6) This is an MRO specific gripe: If you're dropping your aircraft off for annual, please clean all your stuff out of the cabin as much as feasible. Headsets, iPad mounts, charger cables, the pile of random crap in your baggage, dirty tissues, and especially that Tide jug you use as a urinal behind the seat (Yes this happens a lot.) All that stuff is in the way and needs to come out for access. 7) Ramps are a busy place with people, aircraft and equipment moving around all over the place. Whether you're behind the controls or on foot, be attentive and mindful of what's going on around you. Pilots: Please wrangle your passengers. Especially children and pets. 8) If your aircraft has been serviced (whether by you or a line guy), always take a moment to make sure that it has been correctly reconfigured for flight. Check those latches, caps and access panels. It's rare that things get overlooked, but humans are fallible creatures. 9) Communicate if your aircraft has any special handling considerations. Scissor pins for towing, tip tank fuel imbalance limitations, nose gear turn limits, pressure release valves. Don't treat the line guy like an idiot, but don't assume everyone has serviced your particular aircraft before. Particularly if it's an uncommon model. 10) Last but not least: When in doubt, conduct yourself like a professional. Be polite, courteous, patient and communicate clearly. Anyway, that's my contribution! Be safe and have fun, in that order.

@6williamson Ай бұрын

For no frills FBO, check out Monroe City in Mo. $5.00 gas, snacks in the fridge and comfortable couches to sleep on! You might even meet the mayor!

@shawnedwards5369 4 ай бұрын

My dad always said "cross the I's and dot the T's" so I picked it up as well. :)

@TwinTurbskie 5 ай бұрын

Glad they’re there to cross the i’s & dot the t’s 🔥🔥

@irabourstein 5 ай бұрын

Been there. Seen that. Banyan at F.L. Exec is a very smooth operation and has an incredible pilot shop.

@e3aviationassociation 5 ай бұрын

No Doubt!!!!

@thomrieck 5 ай бұрын

Nice! These are things that just aren't generally taught to new pilots, and you kind of feel like you're getting thrown into the deep end when you finally get your PPL.

@e3aviationassociation 5 ай бұрын

@thomrieck no doubt. We are trying to do what we can to educate newer pilots. But inside the membership there is a ton of content like this and many other pilot tools.

@griam7641 5 ай бұрын

Texas Jet at FTW is by farrrrrr the best FBO!

@mtnairpilot 5 ай бұрын

I love Texas Jet. I don't know exactly what it is about them. They don't have the fanciest facilities, but they just seem to get it right every time.

@Mylifebook 5 ай бұрын

Good info for pilots to hear. Great job

@e3aviationassociation 5 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@RusscanFLY 5 ай бұрын

This was a great video! Is the first time I’ve seen someone talk to an FBO Director, about common etiquette issues. Definitely very helpful.

@BrianJohnson-bd2wu 5 ай бұрын

Thanks @RusscanFLY Russ. What other stuff would you like to see like this one.. We are into our new filming schedule. We have one with Banyan about everything you need to know flying g to the Bahamas.

@RusscanFLY 5 ай бұрын

@@BrianJohnson-bd2wu that’s gonna be awesome! It definitely be good to hear what to pack, what to expect, and how to deal with customs and prepare for all of that. Going to the Bahamas is definitely something on my bucket list!

@grege2383 4 ай бұрын

Keep in mind with your videos, when you're stating an acronym for the 1st time, say what that acronym actually is. This video just showed up on my feed and I had no idea what an FBO actually is.

@thehealthylivinggroup747 5 ай бұрын

great vid. keep[ them comming

@e3aviationassociation 5 ай бұрын

Thanks, will do!

@drbcrb 5 ай бұрын

If you see a well known person leave them alone. Let them complete their business. Some well known individuals are also pilots.

@clintfranklin9023 4 ай бұрын

What would be considered an appropriate tip ($$$) for the line guys?

@e3aviationassociation 4 ай бұрын

@clintfranklin9023 Good question. I am always wondering as well. I typically do about 5 bucks on the low end unless they really step up then its as high as 20 - 40 in America. I am not aware of any best practices that you have to tip. I teat is like when I dock my boat and tip the dock hands depending on how well they do. I feel that is the point... if they do well and take care of you we should help them out a little. If they don't then, OH WELL!!! It seems that corporate pilots don't tip much but owner pilots seems to be better. Many of the big jet people will tip $100 to $300 to the line folks.

@JohnVieceli 5 ай бұрын

What does FBO stand for? Flight something?

@e3aviationassociation 5 ай бұрын

Fixed Base Operator

@freedomlife2069 5 ай бұрын

Don’t forget to cross the i’s and dot the t’s.

@mtnairpilot 5 ай бұрын

One etiquette mistake that many GA pilots make is not realizing that FBOs are a business. Most of them try to take care of the little airplanes the same as the big ones just for goodwill. However, when a single engine piston driver comes in, buys 20 gallons, and asks for coffee, ice, newspapers, use of the crew car, etc. and then complains if he isn't treated like the jet who just took 600 gallons, he isn't reciprocating the courtesy. The reality is a full-service FBO like a Banyan or a Signature probably lost money on his visit.

@E3Camping 5 ай бұрын

@mtnairpilot Yes, I've noticed that as well, and I understand your perspective. It’s a reality of life that some people will take advantage of situations. However, when you encounter FBOs like Banyan, who roll out the red carpet even for a Cub, it really stands out. They know that by treating every pilot with respect, regardless of what they fly, they encourage pilots to reciprocate by spreading the word about their exceptional service. When I visit an FBO with my little piston single and they treat me well, I make sure to tip generously and give them my business. But for those FBOs that look down on me? I make a point of never returning.

@brandonadams7837 5 ай бұрын

@@mtnairpilot ok there corporate simp. FBOs and airports accept thousands and sometimes millions in state and federal TAX dollars. Some of these FBOs treat GA pilots like trash.

@kurtisf3366 5 ай бұрын

Most American GA pilots have no idea how good they have it. Up here in Canada I’d gladly pay to get the services most of you guys get for free. Most of our airports you’re lucky if there’s cars lock fuel, otherwise you’re making a phone call to have someone drive out to the airport and fuel you up, then you pay a call out charge that’s often $100 for inconveniencing the guy as he’s probably the public works manager of the town the airport is in. Courtesy cars are extremely rare, forget about ice and other services.

@e3aviationassociation 5 ай бұрын

@@kurtisf3366 I wonder why there's such a difference in Canada when aviation is all part of the same community. Don't get me wrong-not all FBOs in the US are on the same level as @BanyanAir. We certainly have our share of FBOs that don't realize the value of better service, especially the small things that don’t cost much but make us want to return and share our experiences with others. Nowadays, with social media and memberships like E3 Aviation, we all share our experiences. FBOs would be better off by WOWing pilots with those little touches that keep us coming back, even if they charge a bit more for fuel. Sure, there are plenty of pilots who don’t care about the extras and just want cheap fuel. We have airports and places like that, too. But for top-tier FBOs serving both corporate and general aviation, Banyan consistently delivers.

@brandonadams7837 4 ай бұрын

@@kurtisf3366 well, you live in a communist country. What do you expect? You voted for that nonsense and now cry about what it’s like.

@cmritchie04 5 ай бұрын

Can you confirm the radio he has is NOT a VHF air band? It is a UHF their own communications...and that could be misleading....aviation radios don't have shoulder mics

@e3aviationassociation 5 ай бұрын

It's an Internal Motorola system. It's not aviation bands.

@C0mpl3xm1nds 5 ай бұрын

KAPA is the busiest GA airport in NA

@e3aviationassociation 5 ай бұрын

We are talking about Executive AP in this video. Teterboro, Van Nuys and Fort Laderdale Executive are all up there in the busiest. Thanks for joining the conversation.