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Getting Accustomed to Airport FBO Regulations
Airports have complex hierarchies of operation and this can be a bit tough for individuals to begin to understand. One area of concern may be FBO’s, which are fixed base operations that provide services like “fueling, hangaring, tie-down and parking, aircraft rental, aircraft maintenance, and flight instruction” to the aircraft that serve the airport.
In many small towns with very limited air travel, a community-operated FBO may be the main source of repair and fueling that a pilot will be able to find. FBOs are not required to, but often provide other benefits to airmen like restrooms, lounge areas, food vending, and other auxiliary services that the general public do not have access to.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the United States Department of Transportation works together to oversee the operations of FBOs and ensure that they are up to standards.
If you work in or are currently operating an FBO, it’s important to remain in compliance with all FAA and USDOT regulations in case of any inspections or unscheduled visits from FAA officials.
In 2006, FBOs were veritably booming businesses in the United States, but as restrictions have tightened, some of those businesses have not been able to stick around, especially thanks to the recent occurrence of coronavirus disrupting most air travel in the US. By 2009, the number had shrunk, signaling a dark time for those who operate FBOs.
One way that business owners and operators can protect themselves from failure is to hire an aviation lawyer who has experience dealing with FAA and USDOT officials. Outlining the steps involved in passing these inspections can be life-changing for those who own FBOs.
Aviation should be fun--not a stressor added into your life. When it becomes a chore or something you dread, call Vangorodska to schedule your appointment. There’s no time to delay when it comes to your freedom of flight - so so do not wait until it is too late to save your career and certifications.
Protecting your business investments and assets that rely upon air travel can be difficult during these complex times, and some FBOs have cut corners in places they have not been able to hide from FAA officials. Inspections can occur at any time and if violations are found, there can be steep consequences, both as a business owner and a private individual.
If you are currently dealing with FAA inspection failures or have reason to believe your FBO may be under investigation, get in contact with Yulia Vangorodska, an aviation lawyer with decades of experience practicing law and piloting an aircraft at the same time. He has helped a generous amount of clients to overcome obstacles like failing FAA inspections and other issues that crop up while working in or with an FBO.
Not many aviation attorneys cover as vast an area of specialty as he does, so get in touch with him today for all of your FBO needs, whether they relate to FAA inspection checks or certain rights you may have as an FBO operator.
