You’re Own Private Terminal - the Do’s and Don’ts of Using an FBO
Do's:
Plan Ahead
Research the FBOs at your airport of intended landing. Depending on the size and traffic of the airport, it may only have one to choose from, or as many as three. Airnav.com, Skyvector, or your Foreflight or Garmin app are some resources that list FBOs. How to choose which to use? Fuel prices and fees will likely be a factor into your decision. If not published, you can always call to find out what you can expect to pay. You can also research what amenities might be available, such as courtesy or “crew” cars, rental cars, snacks, and rest rooms. Once you have decided which FBO you’d like to visit, locate it on the field so you’ll know where to taxi after landing (You can also call and ask).
Call Ahead
Call the FBO and let them know you are coming. You can call a day before, a few hours before your trip, or right before you take off. They’ll want to know what type of aircraft, your tail number, what time you’ll be arriving, and how long you’ll be staying. The FBO can prepare for your arrival and will be on the lookout for you and your plane around your ETA. Here is where you can also let them know any services you’ll be requesting, such as a rental car or fuel. You may want to stop briefly for fuel or to drop off a passenger. Let the FBO know you’ll be a “quick-turn”. This is the phrase for aircraft that depart quickly, rather than parking for an extended period of time.
Call Ahead from the Air
If you have time and a second radio, before becoming busy during descent and arrival, try to call the FBO on your radio. Their unicom frequencies are usually published on the same resources listed above. Make it a quick transmission after establishing contact, such as “N12345, 20 minutes out, we’ll be a quick-turn, requesting fuel”. This reminds the FBO of your arrival and helps them plan parking and services for you. Again, only attempt this if you have time. If you don’t get a response on the first or second try, don’t worry about making contact and focus on flying.
Know Marshalling Signals
Line personnel, or the ramp workers, will use hand signals and orange wands to guide you in to park. Remember, they will stand where they want the nose of your aircraft. Here is a guide to the hand signals. Taxi slow. Lastly, if you approach their ramp and do not see any rampers, stop and wait a few minutes. Try to call them on the radio as well.
Be Patient
You may be running behind schedule or only need a quick top off. FBOs can be busy ramps. They have only so many workers to run the jet fuel truck, avgas truck, tow airplanes and complete lav services for jets. Your plane may not get serviced as fast as you would like. Be patient. A polite way to remind FBO personnel you’re waiting for fuel or service is to approach the front desk. Acknowledge they are busy but ask for an estimated wait time until your plane will be serviced.
Tip the Line Guys
Even a dollar to two shows appreciation. Especially if you feel you received good service. It’ll also ensure good service in the future.
Don't:
Park Anywhere
If you don’t see a marshaller, wait a few minutes and attempt contact over the radio. Line personnel may have planned parking spaces for you ahead of time, with consideration to other arrivals and larger aircraft. Even if you’re a drop-and-go, don’t park right at the front door with disregard to ramper instruction.
Try to Skip Out of Paying
Certain FBOs have several fees that you may not feel happy about paying. If you fire up and go without paying, the FBO will remember your tail number and attempt to bill you via mail or another way. Remember, aviation is a small world.
Start Engines with the Chocks In
Do not force a line person to get close to your spinning prop to pull the chocks. It shows a complete disregard for their safety. People have walked into spinning propellers before. Either signal them and wait for them to pull chocks before starting, or set the brake, pull them yourself and fire up.
To conclude, you’ll experience a variety of FBOs, from the big chains like Signature and Atlantic to small, mom-and-pop businesses. You’ll always remember the ones you like, either the unique snacks or friendly front desk employees. Some very small or rural airports may not have an FBO facility. They might be limited to a ramp, self – serve fuel and a bathroom if you’re lucky. Experiencing FBOs (or lack of FBOs) will be part of your traveling experience and something to look forward to!
