Aircraft Management and FBO's

FlyMarines09

FlyMarines09

Well-Known Member
I've been around aviation since I was a kid, but I'm still pretty novice as far as the aviation business side is concerned. I would really appreciate some insight regarding aviation management, aircraft management, operating an FBO, ect.

I'm all about aviation business. I love flying and want to fly for myself one day. I want to eventually start a company that is family owned and operated. Small and people orientated. When I get out of the Corps, I plan on already having my A&P license, working while I'm in school and acquiring my IA. I plan on going to SIUC for aviation flight and management, where I will earn my Mulit instrument, commercial, CFI's, jet transition, ect as well as a bachelors degree in Aviation Management. Overall I want to operate an air charter service that offers charter, air taxi, air cargo, air tours and maybe air ambulance service, as well as aircraft maintenance services, hangaring and tie down, and line service. Obviously this is expensive and a complex venture. I plan on starting with a small twin (like a B60 Duke or Aztec F) and building from there in the next few years (once I acquire the minimum 135 PIC time and a Part 135 certificate). Now I realize that many of you are going to advise me against starting such a business with the economy and the successful large commercialized aviation businesses out there, but honestly that doesn't deter me.

Most 135 operators don't actually own their aircraft, obviously. Is it unheard of for a company to receive a business loan large enough to fully purchase small aircraft like twins and light jets?

As far as aircraft management is concerned, could someone tell me how it works? How do you find aircraft to manage, can you market to specific aircraft. How does someone go about starting a small FBO. Is it best to start an FBO at an airport that doesn't already have an FBO or just offer different services or less expensive services than that one.

I'm sorry for asking so many vague questions. I have a lot of them. I know there is a wealth of information here. I would greatly appreciate as much advice as possible.
 
There is a difference between air charter and aircraft management, although the two can operate under the same roof. Air charter is a public business that makes it's money by selling on demand air transportation to a customer for profit. Aircraft managment is more of a consulting business where aircraft owners pay someone to ensure that their aircraft is ready and available for a trip when they need it.

Where the two dovetail is in what happens with the owner's aircraft during downtime. It depends on the terms of the business agreement, but the owner of the aircraft may allow the aircraft manager to charter out the aircraft when it is not being used by the primary owner.

If you acquire the credentials you mention in your post, then you may very well be able to start an aircraft management business without having to buy or lease aircraft. What you would be selling is your management and technical expertise. You don't need to buy or lease an aircraft in order to do that. If you do well, you may get to the point where you can acquire an aircraft of your own.
 
I_Money said:
Vision started with a Navajo........
Click to expand...

That's motivating. I like hearing about large corporations that started small with some vision, dedication and good timing.
Thanks for the info

I really have been leaning towards a Beechcraft Duke as our first aircraft. I've heard mixed reviews about those aircraft though. Does anyone have experience with P-Navajos? They seem like pretty nice aircraft. Is pressurization a real necessity for air taxi's and small air charters? There really isn't much need to fly over 12,000ft anyways. ( well most of the time) I really like Seneca IV's and V's too as well as Aztec F's.
 
I_Money said:
Vision started with a Navajo........
Click to expand...

The biggest airline in Brazil, started flying the mail with 172s back in the '70s.....

I use to fly out of X26, the local FBO was for sale for many years (the guy was trying to retire), really nice place, big hangar, fuel tank, a small house used for office and lounge, lots of ramp/grass space and a big parking. In the deal the Warrior II I was flying and a Seneca II under 135 (they use to fly to the Bahamas with it)......If I had the $ I would have bought it.

If you want I have a friend that may be interested in this (he is A&P, CFI II and MEI, he is already a successful non-aviation entrepreneur), he lives in Myrtle, pm me.
 
Can someone give me an "Aircraft Management 101" run down? How does it work? How do you acquire aircraft? Can you pick and choose certain type aircraft, do you train and hire pilots according to the aircraft you manage?.............. ect....... I found a pdf contract on the legalistic parts of aircraft management. I deduced that it's kind of like any other property management that follows certain FAR's... Idk, any help would be great!
 
"aircraft managment" is where you do all the work for a private company who owns (or wants to buy) their own airplane. "Acme Tool and Die" owns a Kingair, and pays you to make sure it is ready to go whenever they need it. You hire and fire the pilots, scheduale the trips, take care of the mainaince, pay hanger rent, fuel, everything else that Mr CEO doesn't need to deal with. Everything is don'e under Pt 91.

The contract is individual to each company/owner/customer. Maybe they have their pilots that they want to keep, but don't want to deal with maintence. Maybe they want you to find them a new jet because they need a biger plane.

I believe a few guys here do or have done that sort of thing.


This is different from running a charter operation. There you own (or lease) your own plane and hold out to John Q Public that you will take them wherever he wants to go. This requires a 135 (charter) certificate from the FAA.


The difference is who owns the plane and who can fly it. Pt 91 Acme owns the plane and only their people can fly in it. Pt 135 you own the plane and ANYBODY can fly in it for a price.
 
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