So, now that you’re learning to fly, you will eventually need to know about FBO’s. Chances are, you already know what they are but just in case you don’t, it stands for “fixed base operator”. This is the place at the airport you fly into that supplies your fuel. As you will soon see, they are so much more than that.
When choosing a destination airport it is better to choose one that has an FBO. While looking through the airport facility directory and checking out your airport destination information, check out to see if there’s an FBO on the field. They usually put a phone number and hours in there. Check to see what their fuel prices are, their hours, any fees, etc. You want as much information as you can to decide if what they have will meet your needs.
I would prefer an FBO to be open when I arrive. I would want fuel, a place to tie down the plane or even hangar it, if I plan on staying for awhile to make sure it starts good and keeps the snow or frost off the wings. Most nicer fixed base operators have bathrooms, vending machines, flight planning rooms to check the weather for your flights and complimentary coffee, etc. They also have pilot lounges or sleeping rooms and showers in case you need to rest for awhile or clean up. If you buy fuel, most will not charge you to leave your plane there for the day or overnight unless you want it in a hangar.
When you get there, they can even call a cab for you. You can plan for the cab in advance by calling them ahead on the radio too. If you’re staying overnight, most hotels will send a shuttle to the airport to get you for no charge, but you should tip them. If you are just stopping for fuel and possibly to grab something to eat then FBO’s usually have a courtesy car they will lend you to run into town for an hour or so to get something to eat. They don’t charge for the use of the cars but some expect you to replace whatever gas you use. You are treated much better at a local FBO than you would be at an airline.
If there are several fixed base operators on the field, then compare fuel prices and tie down fees to see which you want to use. They are usually very helpful to any pilots that fly in. When it’s time to leave, if your plane is in a hangar, you can call ahead and they will pull it out for you and have it ready when you want it. If it’s been sitting on the ramp overnight and has snow or frost on it, you can call them a couple of hours before and ask them to put it in a hangar for awhile to melt off the frost and warm it up. Some won’t charge for this and some will charge a small fee. So, do your homework and it will make your traveling much more enjoyable!