Many of us must have wondered how some people can board a plane in total privacy without the surrounding impatient crowd. It may sound like fiction, but passengers of privately-owned aircraft can take advantage of an FBO for enhanced safety and security.
Photo: Franco Agustin Ercolino | Shutterstock What is an FBO?
An FBO, Fixed Base Operator, is a company that grants permission from an airport to provide various services for pilots and passengers, such as fueling, parking, hangaring, aircraft rental and maintenance, as well as auxiliary services like restrooms and waiting areas.
Further additional support is provided, like catering, car rental, transportation, and dealing with administration duties for their clients. FBOs treat their clients' safety as a priority, increasing the level of security in response to the threat of terrorism or other concerns.
Related Which Airport Has The Best FBO Or Private Terminal To Fly Out Of?
Travelers who fly on private jets are granted the ultimate luxury while flying. Private fliers typically depart for their destination from private terminals or fixed base operators (FBOs). This allows a much faster boarding time, and most travelers arrive at their departing airport just twenty minutes before boarding. Some charter services or fractional ownership companies have private terminals for their users to fly out of, and other companies use FBOs for their guests to use prior to flying.
Some airports are largely focused on private aviation and, therefore, have a wide variety of FBOs or private terminals to fly out of. Some popular airports for private aviation include Miami Opa-Locka Airport (OPF), Van Nuys Airport (VNY), and Teterboro Airport (TEB), among others. Which popular private aviation-focused airport is your favorite to fly out of?
Posts Services provided
Fueling services, aircraft maintenance, hangaring, flight planning, and concierge support are some of the main amenities supplied by an FBO. The company can provide aviation and jet fuel, often at preferential rates. Having a specialized knowledge of aircraft fuel needs, they can advise on which type of fuel is required and the right quantity for each flight. It is advised, though, that pilots contact the FBO before arrival to avoid any inconvenience and establish a good working relationship for easier communication.
Moreover, FBOs offer services such as ground and luggage handling, catering and aircraft de-icing. To comply with regulations, FBOs ensure the aircraft is well-maintained through inspections, repairs, and revision. Tasks like oil change, tire replacement and brake inspections are essential to improve reliability. FBO are also equipped with advanced facilities that allow mechanics to identify and avoid unexpected issues.
This service is called Hangar operations, which also includes climate-controlled facilities, refueling and defueling. Flight planning, weather briefings, and FAA-approved maintenance stations are an essential service that permits pilots to determine fuel requirements and alternate airports when necessary. Cutting -edge technology and weather data help plan the route to follow based on weather forecasts and airspace restrictions, improving operational efficiency.
In addition, FBOs assist with aviation documents, aircraft handling and VIP security for high-class clients. Some FBOs collaborate with tech companies to provide a better situational awareness. Apart from this basic assistance, FBOs offer luxury lounges and on-site customs clearance for international travelers.
Photo | Zeluloidea | Shutterstock
Concierge is another amenity provided, and it can make a big difference. Comfort and convenience are what customers expect from this experience; and an FBO can arrange transportation, hotel bookings, catering, custom clearance, and assist with flight connections and other amenities. Client needs are managed 24/7 by concierge staff during both arrival and departure, providing private lounges to reduce stress and create a more luxurious experience.
Some aeronautical activities supported by Fixed-base operators include:
Sale of aviation fuel Air charter operations Scheduled or non-scheduled air carrier services Training pilots Sightseeing, aircraft rental and storage Aerial photography Crop dusting Aerial advertising and survey Related 5 Of The Most Luxurious FBOs Around The World
Private travelers enjoy a seamless door-to-door experience with these FBOs.
Posts Advantages of an FBO
Using an FBO can offer significant benefits. Operational costs are usually reduced due to discounted fuel, waiving fees and lower handling charges, above all at low traffic airports.
Efficiency is improved thanks to services like aircraft management and maintenance, ground handling and fueling through one main point of contact. This helps to reduce delays, regulatory risks, fuel wastage and assists crew with accommodation and cost savings.
When it comes to safety and security, FBOs implement CCTV surveillance systems, electronic door access control and on-site personnel security. These solutions are meant to protect crew and passengers from vandalism, terrorism, or trespassing. FBOs go the extra mile to ensure each client feels well looked after.
It is not fully guaranteed that each airport has an FBO. However, many of them with constant traffic will likely have this provider. Not all of them may supply pilots, but many FBOs provide pilots for private flights and flight training.
In the United States, FBOs come in different sizes. The frontrunner is Signature Flight Support. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, the larger FBO is present in over 200 locations around the world, providing exceptional service.
In the US, some aspects of FBOs such as flight training, repair stations, and air carrier services are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), but there are no federal standards covering all FBOs.
The cost of using one of the FBOs varies based on the service required, the airport's location and the FBO provider. Their pricing information can be found either on the website or through a customer service assistant.
Photo | MikeDotta | Shutterstock Origin of the name
FBO stands for Fixed Base Operator. However, its name traces back to 1918 when aviation was not regulated in the US. After World War I, many military planes were left unused and available at a low cost. Civilian pilots would take them to entertain the population through airshows called 'flying circuses' or to offer an airplane ride. Instead of arriving at the airports - which were scarce back then - they would land in farm fields or suburbs, thus inheriting the name of 'barnstormers'.
Only in 1926, with the passage of the Air Commerce Act, aviation services became regulated, licensing pilots and certifying aircraft. The pilots, who struggled to make a living, were now able to establish permanent businesses providing services at a fixed location, bringing about the term Fixed Base Operator.
Related What's The Difference Between An FBO And An Airport?
Airports and FBOs have slightly different uses and types of travelers.
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