Fuel Prices
 

What website do you guys use primarily to look up fuel prices?

Always check contract fuel (CAA, UVAir, AvFuel, Mariah, JFI, etc) and call the FBO directly if there isn't any contract fuel listed.

I've found AirNav, Fltplan, and most every other website else is highly unreliable when it comes to accurate, current information.

Besides, you should call to ask about ramp/facility fees anyway and talking to somebody on the phone is an easy way to start negotiating fuel price & uplift amounts...

Contract fuel (Avfuel, Colt, Western Petroleum, Universal, and Air BP.)
We are also in the Everest contract fuel program (no website for quotes, must use email or telephone.)
Finally, we call the FBO directly to double check their retail price against contract prices.

We mostly tanker..but when shopping domestically I usually find that calling the FBO manager directly gets us the best price. This has beat all contract fuel to date for me, especially if uplifting 2k+ gallons.

They are hurting, they want your business. Last quick turn through an LA area airport one FBO beat the other by close to 60 cents. Both managers beat UV, AVfuel etc by a long shot.

Of course, once taking fuel never pay any fees....

I use Airnav, and found it to be pretty reliable. Recently though I've noticed a lot of airports not having FBO's listed. I've heard their rates are getting too high and I'm guessing folks are not wanting to pay to be listed. So on those I'll pull out the Accu-quick or AOPA.org

You guys should consider this method:

Use NavMonster - Flight Planning, Aviation Weather and Approach Plates for Pilots, ... it gives you a list of airports within say a 10nm wide flight path (and weather for each airport) - pick an airport within range - click the Fuel tab...... then it'll take you to:

100LL - Aviation Fuel Prices then they will give you the best surrounding airport fuel of JetA or 100LL prices in an x-mile radius.

navmonster will also give you the winds aloft for your direction and alititude(s) of flight, range, fuel, etc...

Yeah, uplifting more than 3x the total fuel capacity of my plane allows you a little more negotiating leverage...:D

That said, I have had more than one FBO offer to match any available contract fuel price...

yes, lucky us we can tanker coast to coast...what KILLS us is when we have to make multiple stops on an opposite coast, in small fields.

and I agree, I have had many FBOs offer to beat any other price in the area...they really seem to be after business.

I don't spend too much time on this, but give it the college try as fuel is the single best place to save money...and our boss knows this.

I usually just contact the FBOs, let them know Im shopping around, and ask once for their best price out the door. Low guy wins. I dont go back and forth forever..

I am constantly amazed at the difference in fuel prices though..sometimes $1-2 just in the local area.