Crappy FBO's

[Hung Start]

Some info on MIA.
If you DON'T need any service, just dropping off or picking up, the County has a facility with ok parking on the NW side of the field. Like I said, no fuel or services, a couple of chairs is it. But the fee for a Citation is like $40.00 bucks total.
I think they only take M/C
Hung

 

[Lear6T]

1. AGS - Aviation Services
2. BOS - Signature
3. MDW - Millionaire

 

[Flyingdutchman]

buy a PSP boys... It will make your life better!

 

[TXGold]

Mid America at DSM.

We called from the plane an hour out to tell them we would be doing a quick turn(17 minutes on the nutcrackers), and asked if there was a ramp fee. If there was we were going to pay over the phone so we could get moving because we didn't need fuel. The guy said no ramp fee, and was more concerned about where he was going to park us for the turn, rather than offering his help. He said he was going to have to park us on the other side of the ramp, and we just wanted to make sure our passengers weren't going to have to walk all the way across some big ramp, atleast get a ride. Well it was our first time in there, and will be our last. When we arrived the guy came strolling out of the building after we parked to tell us, "the way things are lately, you all are going to have to buy fuel next time or they are going to charge a ramp fee." We told him we didn't need fuel. I didn't talk to him on the ground but my question was, if he thought we needed fuel and needed a QT, where the hell was the fuel truck when we pulled in. Plus the taxi way is more suitable for a J3 rather a G4. Good Luck Mid America.

 

[PapaK]

We just got back from CLT. The only FBO on the field is Wilson Aviation. These airport monopolies are so predictable... When we checked in the night before, I told them that I wanted the aircraft on the line at 1800 with a fuel truck standing by. When we got to the airport at 1745, the aircraft was buried, half a mile across the ramp. After 3 or 4 increasingly urgent prompts, it was finally on the line at 1825. This with 5 ramp guys sitting on their asses in front of us. We ordered a top off. Predictably, I now got a call from the pax that they wanted to leave at 1915 instead of 2000. As the fuel truck pulled away, I checked the quantity and they had disconnected early; they still hadn't finished topping off the left wing and fuselage tanks! We finally repositioned to pick up our pax at 1905 as if nothing had happened. The caterer that they use, Go*************************, is about a 7 out of 10, although they charge like Stevies in SMO.

By the way, the Hertz rental car smelled as if there had been a cigar smoking contest in it. I know that it was the weekend of the big NASCAR race but can't people plan ahead?

The Rennesance was a decent, though overpriced (195/nt) short layover hotel. If you need the supplement catering, find decent wine, try Harris-Teeter food stores. Good fruit, cheese, deli and liquor. If you need specific wines, drive across the state line to Frugal McDougals (about 3,000 different wines) but remember that they close at 7 pm.

 

[G-force]

The Best in the Nation????

We just got back from CLT. The only FBO on the field is Wilson Aviation. These airport monopolies are so predictable... When we checked in the night before, I told them that I wanted the aircraft on the line at 1800 with a fuel truck standing by. When we got to the airport at 1745, the aircraft was buried, half a mile across the ramp. After 3 or 4 increasingly urgent prompts, it was finally on the line at 1825. This with 5 ramp guys sitting on their asses in front of us. We ordered a top off. Predictably, I now got a call from the pax that they wanted to leave at 1915 instead of 2000. As the fuel truck pulled away, I checked the quantity and they had disconnected early; they still hadn't finished topping off the left wing and fuselage tanks! We finally repositioned to pick up our pax at 1905 as if nothing had happened. The caterer that they use, Go*************************, is about a 7 out of 10, although they charge like Stevies in SMO.

By the way, the Hertz rental car smelled as if there had been a cigar smoking contest in it. I know that it was the weekend of the big NASCAR race but can't people plan ahead?

The Rennesance was a decent, though overpriced (195/nt) short layover hotel. If you need the supplement catering, find decent wine, try Harris-Teeter food stores. Good fruit, cheese, deli and liquor. If you need specific wines, drive across the state line to Frugal McDougals (about 3,000 different wines) but remember that they close at 7 pm.

The way you described this matter of dealings with Wilson FBO/CLT,is not characteristic of a Wilson FBO. Foul-ups happen,even at the best run FBO's.
It still is no excuse for having PO'd pilots because their line crew was having a bad day.

 

[PapaK]

I'll grant you that everyone was certainly polite and apologetic, but the ramp was not very busy. Since we don't have a choice in CLT, I'll plan for an earlier show on my next trip there ( and my co-pilot thought that two hours was excessive). That should take the tension out of the experience. The iced tea is a nice touch and they do make a decent cookie.

 

[coloneldan]

Hey PapaK, the reason you had trouble at CLT is, until several years ago, the FBO there was a Signature. Every place I have ever been that used to be a Signature, still sucks moldy green stump water. Even after years, they still have that same....Like it or leave....attitude.

 

[moonlight]

My vote is for Jim's Air in San Diego. Once again, the only FBO on the field. Ridiculous ramp fees EACH time you have the priviledge of pulling on their ramp, try to get people to sign a waiver so that if they damage your plane, they're not responsible. Also make you sign an agreement to use their catering and noone else, I could go on and on. Hate that place, and hopefully never have to go back. Oh yeah, I guess one of our planes (not the one I was flying) pulled out one day w/out paying the ramp fee. They had my cell number as a contact w/ the same company. They must have called 3-4 times harassing me about getting payment before I told them to leave me the heIl alone.

 

[smellthejeta]

although they charge like Stevies in SMO.

FWIW, Air Gourmet's kitchen is in Culver City, which is MUCH closer to SMO than Stevies kitchen is. Your delivery fee should be cheaper.

 

[leardawg]

Hopefully, some FBO management types are looking at this thread and seeing a trend. It may be wishful thinking, but maybe they just don't realize how things look on our end. I like to thing there are people out there who actually believe in first-rate service, even if they are a monopoly. Good business is good business.

 

[smellthejeta]

Hopefully, some FBO management types are looking at this thread and seeing a trend. It may be wishful thinking, but maybe they just don't realize how things look on our end. I like to thing there are people out there who actually believe in first-rate service, even if they are a monopoly. Good business is good business.

Well, when you come visit me in the wee hours of the night, there will be no ramp fee if all I do is wave good bye to you on a quick turn. Whether the company likes it or not, I don't see the point of socking you if I don't do anything. If I gotta unload your bags, a tip will also get the ramp fee waived. I'll never tell you that, of course, but if I get a thank-you from you or the pax, it will actually save you money.

 

[SheGaveMeClap]

Some info on MIA.
If you DON'T need any service, just dropping off or picking up, the County has a facility with ok parking on the NW side of the field. Like I said, no fuel or services, a couple of chairs is it. But the fee for a Citation is like $40.00 bucks total.
I think they only take M/C
Hung

To add to this, Sheltair will meet you on the ramp with a fuel truck and will get you what you need (as long as you call them ahead of time). They are less than $4/gallon using some contract fuel, I think it was Phoenix? At any rate, if your pax don't mind, the ramp fees are cheap and you can get cheap gas. For some, it's better than getting screwed at Signature.

 

[aviator4512]

Jet Aviation -BED

I was picking pax up at Signature BED, and I waited in the parking area near Jet Aviation's ramp and they called the police on me? It's a public airport and the cop just said that I could stay there. Rediculous.

 

[flyinlow67]

Here's a question. Do you guys and gals leave feedback on Airnav.com? I look at it if I have never been to an airport before to get a feel for the FBO we are going to. I leave feedback if the service is really good or bad. I have found a couple of tips on there that have avoided alot of pain and suffering.

 

[Corona]

Never had good service at any Mercury...RNO is another one. Go to Jet West at RNO...even Sierra at RNO is better!

Eric

Stopped at Jet West four years ago this August. How do I remember that? Hot f-ing wx, and crappy service. Crew car was not road-worthy, and they screwed us on the quoted fuel price. Not recommended.

C

 

[FlyMeSWA]

ACK is pretty bad, and BOS is too but BOS is comparable to LGA. Without mentioning or counting FBO's that are at tiny airports run by families (who obviously do not have the means of creating pilot wonderworlds), I'd say Avitat Bangor, and Northeast Airmotive in Portland ME boil my skin the most. PWM because of the one couch and chair crew lounge with a tiny TV and barely any heat in the winter, and Avitat Bangor because I've never seen ramp agents as lazy as them first of all, and second of all, no crew car, no wireless, one old computer, they make you pay for coffee, and give you grief if you need a ride to the ground round within an hour of one of thier "arrivals". Not to mention the grumpy lady that's been there since Fenway was built...

 

[flyinlow67]

PWM's crew lounge does suck, as does their parking, but we had pretty good luck with thier CSM's. They got us short notice catering, and the maintenance guys were right on top of an issue we had. Give em about a 6.

 

[windycity322]

BOS signature has got to be the worst! I am sure accounting hates the prices! But from a pilot stand-point you have to get shuttled to your airplane if it isn't in the front row. The FBO itself is as big as my apartment. If you want to go outside you have to get a patdown to get back in. And they think they make it up by putting out a bowl of Jelly Bellys that you have to unwrap one at a time!

 

[SNAFU22]

HZL's FBO has to be the worst I've been to yet. Pilot lounge stinks and the couch must of been pre WWII era. Table was broken, no lazy Boys. No coffee..no crew car. One man operation. I watched him fuel 2 airplanes all day. when the employee was done he would sit in the pilot lounge sprawled out on the couch. He would turn the volume up to the point of ridiculous! The phone must have rang 1/2 dozen times which he never answered! This guy has no clue what customer service is. I felt like I was in a bad episode of Seinfeld...You couldn't write better material then what I just witnessed today!

 

[SCT]

AirServices KCLE has to be right up there w/ the worst. Bought 1800 gallons......asked for a local paper from the line "dude" (the women behind the desk was to busy talking to her g-friend on the phone) and he says no problem. He walks out to the front and points to a newspaper box. I told him it was OK and we'll make do w/ what we had on board.

 

[BCpilot81]

Gulf Aviation In Khrl (harlingen Texas).

 

[sleepy]

"And they think they make it up by putting out a bowl of Jelly Bellys that you have to unwrap one at a time!"

Thank you, I left that one out of my post, they suck the most of all!!!!!! And add Atlantic in PIT to the list with their $700 ramp fee shake-down, for nothing.

 

[murfdawg998]

Any FBO that has the word Signature over the door.

Agreed...except for EWR for some reason seems to be OK

 

[murfdawg998]

signature-EWR, 6.10 a gallon for JetA, no volume discounts, no contract fuel and the girl behind the counter is the biggest piece of new jersey turnpike trash I've ever seen.
alot of mercury dealers are starting to turn into slop holes as well.

not familiar with the CSR you speak of...I just meant EWR seemed to be better than some others in terms of their quickness in getting you what you need to the aircraft.

Murf

 

[murfdawg998]

jet aviation teb
jet aviation bed


Jet TEB...has improved much over the past couple of years. They still need to coordinate better during shift changes.

Jet BED...love them!! I will go there anytime!!

 

[murfdawg998]

We just got back from CLT. The only FBO on the field is Wilson Aviation. These airport monopolies are so predictable... When we checked in the night before, I told them that I wanted the aircraft on the line at 1800 with a fuel truck standing by. When we got to the airport at 1745, the aircraft was buried, half a mile across the ramp. After 3 or 4 increasingly urgent prompts, it was finally on the line at 1825. This with 5 ramp guys sitting on their asses in front of us.


this reminds me of Landmark @ IAD when you're there for several hours but they immediately tow you out to the runup block at the approach end of 19R (a billion miles away) and never put you on line at the requested time.

 

[smellthejeta]

this reminds me of Landmark @ IAD when you're there for several hours but they immediately tow you out to the runup block at the approach end of 19R (a billion miles away) and never put you on line at the requested time.

murfdawg,

I used to work at Landmark IAD back in the Piedmont Hawthorne days. Way way way back in the day (like prior to 9/11/01) Signature DCA handled a vast majority of the traffic headed to Capitol Hill.

Then, overnight, DCA closed to GA traffic, but we all know that. However, Landmark's ramp didn't increase in size overnight, and getting the 19R runup block from the airport authority was the only thing we could do. We also utilize the "Cargo 6" area by FedEX for larger aircraft, and occasionally, we used a ramp next to the "G" airline gates -- by runway 30. So, your hike could be worse.

Landmark handles arrivals and departures all day, rather continuously. Their problem is that they have only about fifteen spots (the first three rows) that are rather useful for parking arriving aircraft. You can't park an arriving aircraft on the runup block when it is full, nor can you park it in the last row where we tail airplanes up to the ditch.

The place is a nuthouse at 1700. You've got guys coming in on quick turns, and you've got everybody and their brother who was there for the day waiting to pick the boss up and get out of there. Those "prime" parking spots can't be help up for more than about an hour each. When you guys say "get me on the line at four" you're sitting there at five, six, and sometimes still seven. If we let everybody do that, we'd have no place for an arriving aircraft on a quick turn.

I know the runup block arrangement sucks. We're paying guys to tow airplanes all day long, and we're paying guys to drive the courtesy van. If we could cut down on our labor costs, I'm sure management would do it in a heartbeat. You're stuck out there not because the ramp guys are lazy (FWIW, they have a very hands-on manager who works outside in the afternoon) but because we have about 70 departable spots, and about 15 arrival slots. Any good departure spot is also an arrival spot.

I know you guys won't stop compalining about it, because it sucks. But, the truth is, it's a logistical necessity with the ramp space that they have.

 

[T-DOGGIN]

Aero Indusrty in RIC

Was there today and stopped in because Merc Fuel was the cheapest. BIG MISTAKE

Took the crew car (141,000 miles) totally shoot, holes in all the seats, windows didn't work and smelled of an ashtray. Worst part was 2 miles from the FBO overheated smoking and ended up on the side of the road. Called the boss to tell him we were moving to Million Air and meet us there (expecting a suck it up crybaby) and was told his Caddy had no AC talk about pissed off. Went back to the FBO and even the crew lounge TV contols basshed in no cable and once again smelled of an ashtray. The owner stopped us on the ramp and asked us not to leave and said he would give us a ride over to Richmond Jet (which he also owned) He tried to make it right by giving us his Cady all day but when you rub 2 full page adds in AcuQuick i would think you could spend a little more on the facility. NEVER AGAIN

 

[Hung Start]

SJF:

Thanks for taking the time to spell it out for us. We as pilots ( and I'm sure you are one) just need a reason to Biatch and moan. And very busy FBO's just provide a very easy target.
And you are right, I am guilty as most of telling you to get me ready at 4, and the boss arrives at 7.
No good excuse, but I would have planned my dinner based on 4, and now I'm hungry, and cranky.
Nawww, I'm cranky all the time, but I'm still hungry.
Do the best you can, I'll adapt.

Hung