opening an FBO

[Jeff775621]

Im a 22 year old college student, ill be done with school in may. Im also a commercial pilot with just about 700tt and 120 me. I want to fly corporate for awhile. i know i want to stay away from the airlines, but i know i dont want to fly all my life. i was wondering if anyone new the steps in opening an fbo in a busy area that is growing, how much faa is invovled and how much money will i need to borrow from the bank, or other people. Any info on this subject would be very helpful.

-Jeff

 

[Publishers]

The FAA involvement is minimal. Your statement that opening an FBO in a busy area is the debate. You may or may not be able to even if you have the money. Each airport authority controls the franchise on their airport and they also set minimum standards for FBO's. To get a busy one will require a good deal of money but even more luck

 

[Annie]

Excuse me, is this a bit like buying a liquor license?

 

[Dash8301]

Im a 22 year old college student, ill be done with school in may. Im also a commercial pilot with just about 700tt and 120 me. I want to fly corporate for awhile. i know i want to stay away from the airlines, but i know i dont want to fly all my life. i was wondering if anyone new the steps in opening an fbo in a busy area that is growing, how much faa is invovled and how much money will i need to borrow from the bank, or other people. Any info on this subject would be very helpful.

-Jeff

Your terms are a little broad. I would suggest that you figure out where you want to be located. Small airports within 50 miles of a metro area would be a good start. Perhaps try and find a mom and pop FBO that want to retire and purchase a prexisting operation. This is also going to take a lot of cash. enen a small operation probaly requires at least 10 million in cash to start. If you have any other quetions feel free to pm me.

 

[Flywrite]

Your terms are a little broad. I would suggest that you figure out where you want to be located. Small airports within 50 miles of a metro area would be a good start. Perhaps try and find a mom and pop FBO that want to retire and purchase a prexisting operation. This is also going to take a lot of cash. enen a small operation probaly requires at least 10 million in cash to start. If you have any other quetions feel free to pm me.

A small mom & pop type operation can be done for way less than $10m. I'm setting up some aircraft management for an FBO at a 5500 ft strip with about 40 based customers, within 50 nm of a large metro area. I wont say waht the owner spent to buy the business, but including the flight school airplanes he bought (2 Archers) he is still way under $1m.

There's a lot more to even a small FBO than having a pilot's license, so if this is really your long term plan you may want to look at going more towards an FBO job after college. With a degree and Commercial license you wold be a good candidate for a supervisor position with a bigger FBO, then work into management over a couple of years while flying part time through the corporate contacts you make at the FBO, then when you find that opportunity to strike out on you own you will have some gerat experience on your side.

Good Luck

 

[Publishers]

Valuation of an FBO is fuel sales and remaining lease term.