What is the FBO???

[UnAnswerd]

I understand that these are extremely elementary-type questions, but realize that I'm relatively new to much of this, and would be in appreciation of any information someone might be willing to convey.

I assume that every airport has a Fixed Base Operation. That is what is stands for, no? What is the primary purpose of the FBO, and what types of services are typically available to both pilots and the general public?

Any information would be appreciated.

 

[FL000]

The FBOs primarily exist to sell fuel, but they can have a multitude of other services.

Hangars
Tie-down
Maintenance
Charter
Training
Pilot supplies

For the purpose of drawing business to those services, they may tie themselves to outside providers of

catering
car rental
weather services

Most lobbies are set up to make crews and waiting passengers comfortable and happy with

Cable or Sat TV
Recliners
Sleep rooms
Coffee
Doughnuts

I"m sure I'm leaving some stuff out. It's been a while since I've used one, but I've logged hundreds of hours in La-Z-Boys.

 

[mmmdonut]

Did you say..... donuts???!??!?!??!?!

 

[garf12]

Dont forget POPCORN!!

 

[FN FAL]

Are we going to be discussing some of the other nuances of FBO's, like security proceedures, identification badges, parking permits, employee access points?

 

[Big Duke Six]

Don't forget "homemade" chocolate chip cookies and Line Girls!

 

[FN FAL]

Are we going to be discussing some of the other nuances of FBO's, like security proceedures, identification badges, parking permits, employee access points?

You'll have to excuse me for being forward, but the "five-oh" side of my brain keeps nagging at me. It's like a sixth sense.

This sixth sense really turned up a whopper once, when I turned a guys license plate number into the police after a suspicious encounter with a guy in an MGB hatchback. Within 12 hours, there was a burglary at my place of employment and 120 firearms were stolen. Within the week, a bank president was murdered and in a separate incident, two detectives were wounded by a gunman who had a pipe bomb in his possession. Imagine the co-inky-dink it was, when that license plate turned out to be registered to the guy that committed all those crimes. Since one of the wounded detectives returned fire and mortally wounded his attacker, they never found the whereabouts of those 120 firearms. Recent conversations with locals who were neighbors of the man, told me that at the time all this happened, he was under investigation for another serious felony.

But anywhoo...what's up with all the questions from the dark figure of the board? Like I said, I appologize for being forward, but... http://www.whiotv.com/news/3760713/detail.html

 

[AA717driver]

I'm sorry, WTF was the question? I gotta quit reading FN's posts...

Line girls? Doughnuts? Popcorn? What FBO's are you guys going to?

All I get is Garrett LAX(Lots of hairy ramp guys) and Mercury SBA(Are you sure MJ is illegal in CA? )TC

 

[FN FAL]

I'm sorry, WTF was the question? I gotta quit reading FN's posts...

Line girls? Doughnuts? Popcorn? What FBO's are you guys going to?

All I get is Garrett LAX(Lots of hairy ramp guys) and Mercury SBA(Are you sure MJ is illegal in CA? )TC

Hahaha! Yea, I know...I'm a legend in my own mind.

How yew dune? (like joey on friends )

 

[Lead Sled]

Don't forget crew cars, discounted hotel rooms, and lav servicing!!!

 

[phil]

What's an FBO? Well, it's a big building at the airport where pilots who fly big airplanes go in and out of all day long.....

 

[FL000]

What's an FBO? Well, it's a big building at the airport where pilots who fly big airplanes go in and out of all day long.....

...but that's not important right now.

 

[sky37d]

It's a place where you can get FREE coffee, use a clean restroom, and occasionally see a great looking chick. Incidentally, the cookies, popcorn, coffee, etc, are about the ONLY things you'll ever find free in aviation.

 

[bobbysamd]

FBO amenities

The FBOs primarily exist to sell fuel, but they can have a multitude of other services.

Hangars
Tie-down
Maintenance
Charter
Training
Pilot supplies

For the purpose of drawing business to those services, they may tie themselves to outside providers of

catering
car rental
weather services

Most lobbies are set up to make crews and waiting passengers comfortable and happy with

Cable or Sat TV
Recliners
Sleep rooms
Coffee
Doughnuts

I"m sure I'm leaving some stuff out. It's been a while since I've used one, but I've logged hundreds of hours in La-Z-Boys.

Don't forget the flight planning room, including DUAT machines, flight plan forms, phone (sometimes a dedicated line to FSS), and WAC chart in plastic on the flight planning surface or wall. Also, UNICOM to get the fuel truck, catering, etc. to meet you on landing. I flew before the days of widespread cellphones, so, back then you could contact UNICOM and ask the FBO to make phone calls for you.

Some FBOs have a hot chick at the front desk.