Nice Guys in Aviation

On our way to OSH last summer, we were forced by weather to take a
circuitous route from BTV (Burlington, VT) to Dayton to wait out the
weather (bad winds in upstate NY and a front in MI). We chose Dayton
because it has the WP Air Museum, so we would have something to do if we
were there for a few days. In any event, we landed at around 9:30 on a
saturday night. All three of the main FBO's were closed. One had some
guy in the office, but he refused to help us. At that point, all we
wanted was a tie down spot and some way to get to the terminal to get a
car. Finally, we ran into one of the security guards checking the gate
near where we were. After asking about parking, the guard phoned "Gil".
Gil arrived in his Jeep a short time later. After directing us to a
parking spot, he helped up load our gear into the Jeep, and drove us to
the airport hotel (a perfectly fine establishment, I might add). During
the long trip through all of the taxiways, he even gave us suggestions
of where to eat and what to do if we were stuck for a while. Gil worked
for the airport, but certainly went out of his way to accommodate us.
(This reminds me that I need to write to his superiors to commend his
attitude.)


Michael 182 wrote:
A thread in RAO referenced nice guys in aviation. Let's give them credit.
Give an example when someone went above and beyond for you.

I got to the airport around 4:00 on a summer morning in Indianapolis. During
preflight I switched on the master to lower the flaps and check the fuel
gauges. Unfortunately, the master was already on. Some fool had left it on
the night before. Since it was my plane, and I'm the only one who ever flew
it, I had a vague suspicion who might be guilty.

The line guy at the FBO (this is the embarrassing part - years ago - I don't
remember which FBO) tried jumping the plane from his car. No luck - the
battery was truly drained. He called in a mechanic who arrived by 5:00,
attached me to a charger, and had me on my way by 6:00. They told me there
was no charge ("we don't charge for a little electricity") and refused to
accept any tip. Given that I hate getting up early, I thought this was
pretty amazing.

I've met dozens of people like this at FBO's around the country. In general,
the most customer service-oriented group of businesses I know.

Michael





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