Typically you will find bottled water, coffee, and perhaps a popcorn maker on a complimentary basis. Beyond that there are sometimes complimentary candies and packaged snacks. Think pretzels and biscuits. More often, sodas and packaged snacks are offered via vending machines. Some FBOs have restaurants or a coffee shop designed to serve the local airport community, but open to passengers as well.
While you choose the airports you want to fly into or out of — one of the benefits of private travel, your operator will select the FBO. This is typically based on contracts they have for purchasing fuel. Remember, FBOs are gas stations for private jets. Fun Fact: In the days before private jets had the range to go nonstop from coast to coast, refueling stops in Kansas and Nebraska competed for pilot loyalty by offering free steaks and other perks.
Most operators will allow you to select a different FBO, however, there might be a surcharge, typically in the hundreds of dollars. FBOs are often on the opposite side of the airport from passenger terminals, and are sometimes distant from each other, as in miles apart. If you are arriving on an airline flight and then switching to a private jet or vice versa, make sure to find out in advance how far they are, and the best way to transit between the two.
FBOs generally have complimentary parking spaces allotted for charter customers who want to leave the cars. In some cases, it is in a secure area. Some FBOs also provide valet parking.
As soon as your operator or broker provides you the FBO information for your flight, it makes sense to call ahead if you are going to need any extra services. I subscribe to the paid edition of Ac-u-kwik , a worldwide guide to FBOs and handlers. Location maps and basic information is free. FBOs change hands from time to time, new ones open and old ones close or relocate on the airfield. When your clients select only the best for transportation and accommodations, their FBO experience should match the same level of comfort and sophistication.
For pilots, an FBO is a valuable resource for flight planning and relaxation prior to the next leg of their flight.
You should take time to consider if your FBO has a flight planning room that is equipped with internet access, computers, and other available resources. Is it just a make-shift lounge or one that is equipped with top of the line furniture, appliances, and modern technology?
They will usually have their own parking areas and staff can help make ground transport arrangements before or after a flight. Flexibility and ease are two of the main advantages of private jet flying. At most terminals, arriving 10 to 15 minutes before you plan to depart is fine. You can, of course, always arrive early and make use of the FBO facilities.
And if you need to change the departure time just contact the operator. Security at an FBO is different from a commercial terminal. Passengers and luggage will be screened before travel, but this will be much faster.
There are also fewer safety requirements. Liquids, for example, can be taken in the cabin with no limitations. In general, yes. All FBOs will allow pets, and most charter operators should allow them in the aircraft. After all, it is your own private hire. Then you will walk out to board your aircraft if is parked directly outside.
Or you may have a short ride in a courtesy vehicle to the main airport ramp. At some airports, and for certain flights, passengers can even drive their own vehicle up to the aircraft steps.
FBOs also provide a range of services to crew and aircraft including aircraft maintenance; hangars; refueling; de-icing; crew rest areas and crew accommodation. Aircraft were relatively inexpensive in these post-war years, with a surplus of ex-military aircraft available. The transient nature of their jobs and lives meant that these aviators moved around with the aircraft and had no fixed business location. This enforced many new licensing for pilots; and the regulation of aircraft maintenance and training standards.
Pilots and mechanics began establishing registered businesses, at a given fixed address. These were termed Fixed Base Operations or Operators — to distinguish them from the transient aviators of old.
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