I personally think that it is rude and arrogant to EXPECT or DEMAND a
discount or special treatment. To persist when politly told no risks
painting all of us in a bad light. I have done volunteer work for over
10 years in various regards, and I consider my payment to be the job
well done. If something is offered, accept it. If not, it might be
reasonable to ask once.. But dont persist, and dont get ****ed when you
dont get your way.

Any expenses incurred in the course of providing Angel Flights, such as
fuel, fees and aircraft costs are deductible BY YOU. I always pay ramp
fees wherever I go, and if they are waivable with fuel purchase then I
purchase fuel. Not many service stations for cars would stay in business
if everyone came in, used their restrooms, wiped their windows and then
left again without buying gas. Its how these places stay in business.

Encouraging the organization to apply "muscle" in the name of charity
would be counterproductive. Thats like little Ricky Rescue with the
volunteer fire department asking for a discount at a restaurant whenever
he comes in wearing his fire department t-shirt, and asking the chief to
stand up for him when he is politely told no. No quicker way to tarnish
an image that to demand something that normally is viewed as charity.

I would encourage you to reconsider your point of view on this matter.

Dave, PPSEL

Peter R. wrote:

Last night I flew an Angel Flight mission to Buffalo, NY from Northeast
Philadelphia.

When I arrived at the only FBO in Buffalo (Prior Aviation), I was initially
told by the woman behind the counter that under NO circumstances are the
landing fees waived, Angel Flight or not. After politely asking her to
reconsider, she did wave the fees but admitted that she was going against
policy and for me not to expect it again. She then told me that the land
on which the Buffalo airport resides is owned by "the Transportation
Authority" or "Port Authority" and it is they who are responsible for the
fees.

This policy and the attitude of the FBO irked me. So far, everywhere I
have landed, including Boston's Logan airport and Baltimore Washington,
have happily waived landing fees up to $100 (US) *and* some even offered
fuel discounts for Angel Flights.

Have others encountered a no-wave policy?

I would hope that these FBOs are rare and that with a little pressure from
Angel Flight's main organization, FBOs such as Prior could be convinced to
forgo landing fee profits for charitable flights such as these.