Lowtimer77

I'm not an airline pilot, just a private pilot looking to start on my instrument rating soon, but definitely taking things slow as I can't justify pumping a lot of money into getting all my ratings asap when it seems like the airline industry in in the crapper right now. However, I'm a senior in college majoring in business marketing( took the advice to NOT major in aviation).

Anyways, I've started to become interested in owning/managing an FBO. Obviously owning and managing are two separate things, but I imagine some owners manage their FBOs as well. I've always enjoyed being around the FBO environment as it's fun to be around airplanes and other pilots. I imagine that there are a lot of different aspects of the job that would allow for a lot of variety in day to day operations. At the FBO back where I learned to fly, the current manager also is a the chief CFI and occasionally flies charter in a twin cessna and a citation. It's obvious that there are a lot of non-flying aspects to the job, but still being able to fly every once in awhile seems desirable.

I'll admit most of my FBO experience has been around smaller GA airports where the FBO is probably owned by one person. I realize that at larger airports there are FBOs that cater more towards the jet crowd and seem to be quite a bit bigger organizations that your small town FBO. I wouldn't be opposed to working for one of them either.

I'm just curious if anyone has any advice or info about operating or managing an FBO? I know it's a part aviation, and I have heard that many FBOs struggle to be successful just like the airlines or any other part of the industry, but I'd like some first hand advice if possible.

pilot1278

I'd be interested in hearing some replies as well... One of my goals is to someday own/operate my own FBO/flight school/charter company, provided I have the necessary assets invested elsewhere...

grimmdj

I managed a small airport FBO for 6 years. Rental (14 planes), instruction,
maintenance, charter, aircraft & fuel sales. 8 full-time employees, 10 part-time instructors.
Successful small FBO by most accounts. Lots of fun and lots of great people.
Down side, 1 1/2% margin on the gross. Constant increases in prices and competition from less than up-standing competition. Very hard to support my family let alone my fellow employees. Money was the reason I left.
Dave

SkyHigh

It seems that the most successful FBO's are owned by guys who are trying to use them as a write off.

Skyhigh

AirbusA320

Lot's of businesses are tough to be in. I just read in a business magazine a displaced corporate worker opened a laundry mat and it took $550,000 of capital. He only makes $40,000 a year from it. Based on 8% interest he is not even making the cost of capital.

The way things are going in this country I think one needs to have multiple streams of income. As an examnple would be a contract pilot who does web desgin and trades stock options.

BTW - 550k could buy a lot of training airplanes.

Mason32

No, the most successful FBO's are those that cater to Business Aviation... Ah la Jet Aviation, Signature, Million Air etc... Owning a mom and pop small GA FBO for CFI's to get their feet wet teaching others are a good retirement job...