Signature Flight Support Key West Responds to Hurricane Irma

Key West is a beautiful vacation destination, known for breathtaking sunsets, incredible seafood, and tangy limes. However, they are also at risk for hurricane damage and ensuring the safety and well-being of the Keys requires everyone to pitch in.

During the 2017 hurricane season, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Key West, causing significant damage across the island, including to the airport. It was crucial that the airport be open to receive supplies and relief workers. Signature Flight Support employees worked tirelessly to get everything up and running again so this could happen.

Don DeGraw, the director of Key West International Airport, was especially grateful to the Signature staff for their work to get the airport functional after the disaster. He said, “Without your strong team work oriented leadership skills and commitment to the airport, the community and to your customers, the entire lower keys area would have experienced delays in life and property saving support from the military and other emergency response organizations.”

Skyport Aviation Invites Middle School Students to Explore Aviation Careers

Skyport Aviation at Capital City Airport and AMS Aircraft Sales Inc. hosted 35 students from the Middletown Area Middle School to give the students a first-hand look at different careers that the Aviation industry has to offer.

Carl Adkins, General Manager of Skyport Aviation, told the students “the Aviation Industry needs you. “He went on to tell the students that the shortage of pilots and aircraft mechanics that is facing the industry has put the students in a great position to have a great career making a great family sustaining salary. Adkins also told the students that no matter what they wanted to do for a career, Aviation has a place for them.

AMS Aircraft Sales’ Aircraft Mechanic told the students how he graduated from Middletown in 2007 and became an aircraft mechanic by graduating from Penn College and that he has worked on many different types of aircraft; from as large an aircraft as a Boeing 747 to as small as a Cozy.

Skyport Aviation Partners with EAA Chapter 122 and FAASTeam to Host Breakfast and Seminar for Aircraft Owners and Pilots

Skyport Aviation at Capital City Airport (KCXY) and teamed up with Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 122 and the FAA’s Safety Team to host over 50 pilots and aircraft owners representing more than 8 airports for a Fly-in/Drive-in Breakfast and Seminar this past Saturday.

Dick Duncan, a highly experienced A&P/IA and Aircraft Restorer, gave a very informative seminar on pre-buy inspections and the impact they can have on finances and safety. He also spoke about what pilots can do to help maintain their own aircraft.

Don Fair, one of the attendees, said “the seminar was most informative and interesting as presented by Harrisburg FSDO office” He is looking forward to the next Fly-In event on June 9, 2018. – submitted by Carl Adkins.

Created to Serve the Medical Community, Vertiport Chicago is Chicago’s Only Downtown Heliport

As North America’s largest helicopter landing facility, Vertiport Chicago spans ten acres in the heart of the Illinois Medical District and serves as Chicago’s only downtown heliport.

Vertiport Chicago, a Phillips 66® Aviation branded FBO, is a state-of-the-art FBO that offers more than fuel. Services include tours of the city, executive charters, SkyShare capabilities and more. However, the bulk of Vertiport Chicago’s services, including 70% of fuel sales, is with the hundreds of EMS helicopter landings that rely solely on Vertiport Chicago to provide streamlined and efficient EMS transportation, allowing medical professionals to focus on the patient’s needs.

Medical History

Vertiport Chicago plays a crucial role in providing emergency medical transportation in Chicago. Vertiport Chicago provides landing services and Phillips 66 Aviation fuels to all but one hospital in the area, whether for an emergency life flight, lifesaving organ deliveries or transferring a patient to receive specialized care.

Vertiport Chicago has streamlined the process for EMS personnel in order to most efficiently transport patients in need. Ambulances have an exclusive entry to the tarmac in which the sounds of emergency sirens automatically trigger the gate to open. This allows ambulances to quickly access the tarmac without any delay or error. To make emergency medical landings at Vertiport Chicago even more accessible, landing fees for EMS helicopters are waived.

“We’re here to service the EMS community first,” says Anthony Pontarelli, CEO of Vertiport Chicago. “Since Vertiport Chicago’s founding in 2015, we’ve existed to serve Chicago by ensuring that patients have access to the fastest medical care possible.”

Services to Help Chicago Grow

The wide variety of services offered by Vertiport Chicago keep the heliport facility and business booming in Chicago. Tours of the city allow Chicagoans and tourists to experience Chicago like never before. SkyLimo allows passengers to soar over traffic and reach their destination in style and on time. You can even SkyShare your flight to create an affordable and collaborative experience. Additionally, Executive Charters are provided for patrons who want a true VIP experience.

Vertiport Chicago hopes that these ancillary services will continue to support the priority EMS efforts offered and serve as unique business and tourist opportunities for Chicago, making Chicago an even more desirable city for business endeavors and visitors alike.

“We’re proud to offer the medical community, our private visitors and fuel our tours and charters with Phillips 66 Aviation fuels,” says Pontarelli. “Being part of the Phillips 66 Branded FBO network since our founding, we use the tools and services provided to us, including all safety training courses, to ensure that we can provide Chicago with the best facility and top-rated fuels; not only to help Chicago move, but to help Chicago grow.”

Of the suite of programs offered to Phillips 66 Aviation Branded FBOs, Vertiport Chicago takes advantage of TrustedFuel.com, an online resource center for fuel handlers, packed with technical information and data, training tools, calculators and the most current fuel quality assurance guidance. Vertiport Chicago also utilizes Phillips 66 Aviation offered NATA Safety 1st Online Training, both NATA Safety 1st and ACE SafetyPro, covering everything from Ground Servicing, Safety and Fuel Farm Management to Customer Service, Fire Safety and Aviation Security.  – submitted by Casey Warnick, The Company/Phillips 66

Customer Praises Volo Aviation for Going Above and Beyond

Volo Aviation at MidCoast Regional Airport (KLHW) in Hinesville, GA does an excellent job at customer service. The crew has a Kawasaki Mule they use to pick up transient pilots and passengers from the ramp and give them a ride to the FBO. Fees and fuel prices are very reasonable.

Charlie, the manager, has been working hard to have a Part 145 operation established to facilitate larger maintenance tasks that the local A&Ps/IAs are not able to do like pitot static checks and certified avionics installs and repairs.

Friendly folks, a very nice airport and great location near Savannah, GA. – submitted by Raymond Eaker

APP Jet Center FBO Locations Go the Extra Mile for Customers and Community

APP Jet Center operates FBOs in Fort Pierce, Fla., at Treasure Coast International Airport (FPR); Hayward, Calif., at Hayward Executive Airport (HWD); and Manassas, Va., at Manassas Regional Airport (HEF). All three FBOs serve their customers and communities with great care and consideration. APP Jet Center commends them for their most recent efforts of “going above and beyond”:

APP Jet Center Fort Pierce
Following Hurricane Maria’s devastating blow last fall to Puerto Rico, APP Jet Center Fort Pierce provided hangar space for two rescue efforts – in October 2017 and January 2018 – to help animals stranded on the island.

Local pilot Nick Barson, through his organization, Pawslanding.org, donated his plane and time to assist Guardians of Rescue with flying much needed supplies to Puerto Rico then returning nearly 300 dogs to APP Jet Center where they were greeted by awaiting owners, volunteer veterinarians and rescuers.

APP Jet Center Hayward
Pets were rescued and brought to Hayward as well following the destruction in Florida from Hurricane Irma last fall. APP Jet Center Hayward was happy to provide hangar space for an effort that rescued 134 cats and 96 dogs.

The effort was led by Wings of Rescue, a charitable organization that transports endangered pets to shelters for adoption, and Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation.

Also noteworthy: When a police officer was tragically killed in Hayward in July 2015, the Hayward police chief was on duty in Los Angeles and urgently needed to return to Hayward to respond to the incident. Hayward’s city manager called APP Jet Center for assistance with transportation which APP provided by donating the chartering of an aircraft from its tenant, JATO Aviation. The city manager thanked APP and JATO for their prompt and generous assistance: “Without your help, she [police chief] would not have been able to make it back until much later in the day and that would have proven a very difficult challenge for the police department and our community. Thank you so much. Your support of the City in our time of need is very much appreciated.”

APP Jet Center Manassas
With its location serving Washington D.C., APP Jet Center Manassas was honored to provide ground support to the high volume of air traffic for the 2017 Presidential Inauguration. Whereas the FBO typically handles an average of 10 jets per day, it catered to 130 jets over just two days. “I’m very proud of our team. Everyone went the extra mile,” Quinn Redden, general manager, said.

Additionally, APP Jet Center Manassas is named the #1 FBO worldwide for line service in the 2018 FBO survey conducted by Aviation International News, and one of its line technicians, Henry Graves, has just won NATA’s annual Line Service Professional Award. ‘”We are very honored to receive these recognitions,” Redden said. “We have been blessed with a talented team that takes pride in doing a great job.”

For more information please visit www.appjetcenter.com.

American Aero FTW Ranks in Top 5 Percent of FBOs in the Americas in Annual Aviation International News Survey

Meacham International Airport Fixed-Based Operator comes in at #1 in Dallas-Fort Worth. A little more than one year after opening the doors to a new, 8,400-square-foot facility in the heart of Meacham International Airport’s renovated terminal building, American Aero FTW earned a spot as one of the top 5 percent of fixed-base operators in the Americas in the Aviation International News (AIN) FBO Survey 2018 report. The survey is based on rankings from passengers, pilots, flight crews, and dispatchers. The AIN FBO Survey also ranks American Aero FTW as the #1 FBO in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

“American Aero is extremely proud to receive such a prestigious recognition, and we are grateful to our customers for supporting us in such a remarkable way,” said Robert Agostino, American Aero FTW vice president. “Exceptional service and extraordinary safety are our highest priorities, and we are committed to delivering on those promises to every customer at every visit.”

American Aero FTW ranked 10th overall in the Americas and received the second highest rating for pilot amenities. The annual survey asks readers to evaluate an FBO in five categories—pilot amenities, passenger amenities, customer service representatives, line service, and facilities. The survey offers a comprehensive list of 4,500 FBOs worldwide.

AIN readers also recognized American Aero FTW customer service manager Angela Thurmond as one of the industry’s top customer service representatives for routinely going “above and beyond” to deliver exceptional service. Thurmond leads a team of 10 CSRs at American Aero FTW.

AIN is a prominent industry publication that covers all aspects of aviation, including business, military, and transport. Its annual survey report has been produced since 1981 and offers an independent, online evaluation of FBOs worldwide.

In 2017, American Aero FTW became one of the first FBOs in the world to earn the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) Stage II certification for advanced ground handling safety. It is also the only FBO at Meacham International Airport to offer air start capabilities to service any size private jet.

Yingling Aviation: Wichita’s Cosmopolitan FBO

WICHITA, Kan. – Located near the geographical center of the U.S., Yingling Aviation at Wichita’s Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (KICT) is not only a convenient stopping point for cross-country flights, but their extensive list of MRO services and award-winning service also makes it a logical stop for aircraft in need of service or repair.

One of the most special features of Yingling Aviation is its relationship with Textron Aviation, the manufacturer of Beechcraft and Cessna aircraft.

“Yingling has a unique relationship with Textron due to our capabilities and our proximity to the factory, which all contribute to our ability to deliver superior customer support,” says Jerry Pickett, vice president of business development, Yingling Aviation. “In fact, Yingling provides comprehensive support to the full range of new and legacy Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft, offering the experience and expertise of trained, top-notch FlightSafety trained technicians.”

Yingling has been affiliated with Textron longer than any other entity, having been named the first Cessna sales and service dealer when Yingling was founded in 1946. The FBO is also a major parts supplier, shipping parts all over the world.

Servicing Customers and the Community

The Wichita Chamber of Commerce recognized Yingling Aviation with their “Over the Years” award, which is given to companies and organizations that have exhibited a long-standing performance as good business citizens and are major contributors to our area’s economic well-being.

Yingling has been a Phillips 66 branded FBO since 2006 and participates in the Phillips 66 WingPoints Rewards and Contract Fuel Program, which helps streamline sales and allows flights to take off faster. The FBO also offers a few unique areas of business like the only Subway Restaurant located inside an FBO in the U.S., which allows patrons the opportunity to view takeoffs and landings while they dine.

Yingling Aviation is a member of the Wichita Greater Partnership, a founding member of the Wichita Aero Club, and a big supporter of Doc’s Friends.

On the Horizon: More Capabilities and More Jobs

In addition to a complete remodel in 2018 of the two reception and lobby areas that consisted of new flooring, wall treatments, updated reception counters and new furniture, the FBO also completed construction of a new 23,000-square-foot facility for expanded turbine aircraft maintenance and avionics service. This facility is expected to be operational by March 2019 and will allow the FBO to add 25 new staff positions.

Yingling is continuing the growth trend in 2019, as the FBO is adding another 50,000 square feet of newly leased space, which will consist of a paint hangar, prep hangar, service, aircraft interiors and office space for a total footprint of 200,000 square feet. This new space will undergo a major facelift and renovation inside during the next year, and Yingling will add another 500,000 square feet of ramp space in May 2019, as well.

With the addition of aircraft painting capabilities, Yingling Aviation is proud to serve as a full-service MRO facility and expects FBO operations and services to continue to grow. For more details about Yingling Aviation and to stay informed on their many updates, visit their website.

To learn more about Phillips 66 Aviation branded FBO programs click here.

Atlantic Locations Give Back

Atlantic Focuses on Giving In Many Ways

 Every year Atlantic chooses a variety of different ways to give during the holiday season. After all, it’s who we are. We want to be impactful, we like to not only build and grow relationships with our communities, but help to make our communities stronger, and we love to champion a cause for positive change.

Samantha at the Atlantic Farmingdale, NY (FRG) location collects and sends holiday greeting cards to our troops overseas by partnering with the Heartillery Group, a non-profit organization whose mission is to show support, love, and gratitude to our troops overseas. Samantha has been doing this for years, and we were so inspired by her passion that we spread this initiative Atlantic-wide. Through combined efforts from 39 of our locations, including our corporate headquarters, Samantha sent just under 1,400 cards this year! It’s so touching to see the outpour of support our employees have shown for our troops stationed overseas during the holiday season.

Atlantic in Reno, NV (RNO) partners with the Reno-Tahoe International Airport every year to help plan and host Operation Santa Claus. This annual event gives families of The Children’s Cabinet, a local non-profit that helps children and families in time of need, an unforgettable experience. Many local organizations work together to supply families a fully decorated tree and many presents from their wish list. Atlantic RNO hosted more than 400 people in their hangar and on their ramp this year. This included the donor families, 3 local TV station crews, the Mayor of Reno, Airport Board members, area pilots who were involved in a parade of 20 planes bringing in the presents, University of Nevada football players and cheerleaders, a choir, gymnasts dressed as elves, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving in a Nevada National Guard C-130. https://www.kolotv.com/content/news/Santa-rides-C-130-into-Reno-to-help-families-of-the-Childrens-Cabinet–502286171.html

Reno-Tahoe International Airport’s VP of Marketing, Brian Kulpin, wrote special accolades for the Atlantic RNO team, “I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the tremendous team you have at Atlantic-RNO who helped us plan and coordinate the amazingly successful Operation Santa Claus event. Atlantic’s efforts brought gifts and joy to more than 160 needy people who otherwise would not have had a Christmas. You helped show our community the true heart of aviation.”

Many other Atlantic locations were also involved in their communities this holiday season. Atlantic at Orlando Executive (ORL) asked employees and tenants to bring in canned food items in lieu of an admission ticket for their holiday party. Their efforts resulted in 450 lbs of food donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orlando, surpassing last year’s donation of 300 lbs!

Atlantic Cleveland (CLE) collected cold weather items for area homeless and donated them to the Northeast Coalition for Homeless. Items that were donated included winter hats, coats, gloves, scarves, boots, sweatshirts, and other clothing items. The CLE team had the opportunity to meet the director of NE Coalition for Homeless, and they are eager to continue to work with them throughout the year.

Atlantic Oxford (OXC) Participated in a project with Civil Air Patrol to collect various items for military personnel that are deployed. They were able to fill a box with tangible items as well as a monetary donation. Many other Atlantic locations, including Stockton, CA (SCK) also collected items for toy and food drives. It’s truly inspiring to see the different ways that our locations choose to give back to their communities.

Atlantic Philadelphia (PHL) joined forces with the Philadelphia International Airport and a popular local pizza company to provide free lunches to the airport’s federal workers who missed two paychecks due to the government shutdown. When Atlantic was approached by Jon Ordway, local business owner of Jules Thin Crust Pizza, with the idea of providing pizza lunches to all federal employees at PHL impacted by the shutdown, Atlantic’s Regional Manager, John Butterworth, jumped into action.

Working closely with the airport, Butterworth and Ordway coordinated the logistics of providing free, to order, pizza lunches to over 200 employees at various locations around the airport. They worked together to authorize field access close to the TSA offices and the air traffic control tower facility. Within a week’s time, they communicated their intent to the TSA employees, Air Traffic Controllers, Airport Security, Operations and Media Relations. The teamwork and collaboration from all parties led to an outstanding day.

With a food truck, Ordway and Atlantic PHL traveled to various locations around the airport to distribute the great tasting pizza. The pre-made pies were heated with a conveyor type oven in the truck and served to order. They spent the day serving approximately 250 employees with cookies, drinks and over 150 pizzas. The leftover pizzas were distributed to employees and airport law enforcement.

The day was met with an overwhelming outpouring of appreciation for both Ordway’s generosity and care, and Atlantic PHL’s orchestration to make this happen. It was a very rewarding day for all and Atlantic Philadelphia’s small contribution towards a very difficult situation.

Atlantic locations around the country have come together to support our federal aviation workers during the shutdown. From lunch for Tower personnel to barbecues for Customs Agents, Atlantic has fed over 800 federal employees around the country.

To learn more about Atlantic Aviation, visit https://www.atlanticaviation.com.

AVFUEL BRANDS TURKS AND CAICOS FBO: BLUE HERON AVIATION

Avfuel welcomes Blue Heron Aviation (MBPV) to its branded network of independent FBOs, offering operators a gateway to paradise with the benefit of Avfuel programs, including Avfuel Contract Fuel and AVTRIP rewards.

Under private ownership since opening its doors in 2014, Blue Heron Aviation has used first-in-class facilities, professionalism and customer care to attract the majority of the island’s discerning travelers. Its experienced staff provides the warm island hospitality vacationers deserve when landing on its ramp, with a level of personalized service and attention to detail unmatched by others.

“Our ethos is ‘Safety & Service First,’” said Roger Murphy, Blue Heron Aviation’s general manager. “This ethos permeates every decision we make at Blue Heron Aviation—which includes our decision to partner with Avfuel as a branded location, as Avfuel also embraces a customer-first approach. This can only benefit our operation and those who choose to fly in to our FBO. Our customers will continue to enjoy everything they love about Blue Heron Aviation now, but with the added benefit of Avfuel solutions backing our operation, including fuel and loyalty rewards.”

Conveniently located mid-field on the south side of the runway, Blue Heron Aviation provides expedited departures and quick access to everything on the island—all within 20 minutes. The FBO features a state-of-the-art 7,000 square foot building built in a contemporary design for the modern traveler and 12 acres of paved aircraft parking able to accommodate up to a Boeing 757-200. Its team represents more than a decade of professional ground handling and fuel services (initial NATA training), and its services include, in-house customs and immigration, concierge services, aircraft cabin cleaning, catering, coffee and ice, foreign newspapers, dishes, laundry, a luxury lounge, and conference room.

Joel Hirst, vice president of sales for Avfuel Corporation, said, “We’re pleased to welcome this upstanding operation to our family of Avfuel-branded locations. Blue Heron Aviation provides operators a premier experience in a key destination location and we’re proud to raise the Avfuel sign as partners.”

ABOUT BLUE HERON AVIATION

In November 2014, Blue Heron Aviation opened its doors as the Next Generation of FBOs for the Turks and Caicos. In just a few short years, it has captured more than 50 percent of the discerning private jet travelers coming to the islands and all through the hard work of its team of professionals—the majority of whom are born or long-term residents of these islands. That team specializes in its personalized service and attention to detail. There is no automated telephone system—your calls are answered within three rings! And we promise to acknowledge you within 30 feet of our concierge desk. Every flight is met by our concierge team and often by the GM or deputy themselves. We truly “Put the Customer First”—and those customers are to be found both in the front and the back of the aircraft. We aim to please all.

The Turks and Caicos general aviation market continues to see substantial growth year over year and we anticipate that this trend will continue. On behalf of all of the team—we say, “Welcome”.

ABOUT AVFUEL CORPORATION

Avfuel provides fuel and services to the global aviation industry and is the leading independent supplier in the United States.  Established as a supply and logistics company 45 years ago, Avfuel is core competent in every aspect that surrounds the delivery of fuel – from refinery to wingtip.  Avfuel combines global access with personalized service throughout a fueling network of more than 3,000 locations worldwide and 650+ Avfuel-branded dealers. Our 100% dedication to aviation demonstrates our passion and commitment to a global community that prospers on the movement of goods and services around the world.

To learn more about Avfuel Corporation, visit their website.

To learn more about Fairweather, LLC visit their website.