FBO LEASES RAISE QUESTIONS

FBOs nationwide are asking whether that are fairly represented in the leasing process. That big question is being asked, in part, because of issues raised publicly by Paul Fournet Air Service Inc., which was unable to renew its lease at Lafayette Regional Airport in Louisiana last year. As property values around airports continue to rise, FBOs are seeing these fluctuations seep into property negotiations and contracts, which are often created by airport authorities. Dealing with airport authorities is one of the top five challenges facing members of the Independent Fixed Base Operators Association (IFBOA), said John Wraga, the organization’s executive director.
Read More

Jet Sources Marketing Manager Advances to Director of Sales and Marketing

Carlsbad, Calif. — (Jan. 29, 2008) — Jet Source, a full-service aviation firm, headquartered at the McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, Calif., has promoted Debi Carlston from its marketing manager to its new Director of Sales & Marketing. After five years at Jet Source, during which she has held various positions and secured numerous achievements on behalf of the company, Carlston was officially instated as Director of Sales & Marketing on Jan. 1, 2008.
Read More

Chicken Little Reports Sky Is Falling

As the story goes, one day Chicken Little was walking through the woods when an acorn fell on his head. Accordingly, he assumed the sky was falling. Thus, Chicken Little initiated a media blitz to warn the government (in this case the king) of the impending doom. There are some good endings and not-so-good endings to this fairy tale, but the messenger, Chicken Little, and the message of impending doom have remained consistent.
Read More

Pilots Gain Online Access to AC-U-KWIK Data

Professional Flight Management Inc. (PFM) is launching online access to AC-U-KWIK's global database this quarter. Now, PFM will routinely pull updated data from the AC-U-KWIK database, which includes information on key FBO amenities, after-hours telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, Web sites and airport diagrams. This new service, called AC-U-KWIK Aviation eXpress Information Service (AXIS), was designed to make preflight planning more efficient. Pilots will be more aware of changes at airports and FBOs before takeoff, according to Julia T. Brooks, PFM's business manager. Updated facts on facilities will be highlighted when crews type in their destination.
Read More

FAA 14 CFR 139.321 Training Goes Online

The LSAT has made its way into the GA industry, but graduates of this course are not destined for law jobs. FBO supervisors can take FAA 14 CFR 139.321 training online through Aviation Continuing Education Inc. (ACE). The Line Service Annual Training (LSAT) program covers all Fuel Safety and Inspection Program sections designated for supervisors at Part 139 certificated airports, according to Jay Shanley, ACE spokesman. It also covers several Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.
Read More

Where the GA Jobs Are

The consolidation of the General Aviation industry has created a range of new opportunities and transitional issues for business jet professionals. "The demand for talent outpaced the available resources," said Raymond Stebler, director of staffing solutions for New Jersey-based Jet Professionals, which experienced 50 percent growth in business in 2007. "We have also noticed an increase in temporary staffing and long-term contracts to secure enough personnel for the growing fleet of corporate aircraft."
Read More

Encore Announces Landmark Merger and Plots 2008 Acquisition Spree

Encore FBO and private-equity firm GTCR Golder Rauner are in the process of acquiring all of Landmark Aviation's FBOs from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Aviation Holdings. The merger also covers Landmark's charter, aircraft sales and maintenance parts assets, but not its MRO division. The combined company will own more than 40 FBOs.
Read More

The “Long Ranger” Rides High in Value

In the midst of all the usual confusion with the economy, real-estate woes and the subprime lending practices offering fuel for a possible recession, general and corporate aviation value trends continue to remain generally stable. Even the nearly $100 per barrel price for crude oil seems to get at the most a raised eyebrow at the pump. After a possible grumble, it’s wheels up, and life goes on. It’s the American way.
Read More