FBO

[redwing]

Hi, I am flying to a larger airport for the first time(Saskatoon), and planning to refuel at an Esso or shell, but I am curious why they have a unicom frequency, and what the procedure is for this? And should I just pull up beside the fuel truck, or how do I know where to park the aircraft?

I appreciate the help

[Hedley]

The FBO frequency is handy because you can call them in the air when you are inbound to let them know that you need a quick turn with so many liters, etc. Speeds things up.

And, after landing, you can call them on the ground and ask them where to park, if there is no marshaller. Just be sure you don't need to talk to ground any more when you switch frequencies. Or, use two comm radios.

[ever]

The FBO frequency is handy because you can call them in the air when you are inbound to let them know that you need a quick turn with so many liters, etc. Speeds things up.

And, after landing, you can call them on the ground and ask them where to park, if there is no marshaller. Just be sure you don't need to talk to ground any more when you switch frequencies. Or, use two comm radios.

Go to the ESSO. Doug is a good guy who'll marshall you right in and give you great service. 122.85

[Pratt X 3]

Even better, call the FBO you plan on using before you leave and give them a heads up of when you are planning on arriving and what services you will need. Maybe call both FBO's and you might be able to get a deal on fuel or handling fees if you shop around. Then use the radio about 15-20 minutes before you arrive and let them know you are almost there. That way you give them enough time to greet you, especially if they are doing something away from the flight line.

[5400AirportRdSouth]

If you call 15-20 mins out and let us know you're coming, we can make sure there is a spot for you on the ramp and line personnel available to assist you on arrival.

If you don't call, don't be surprised if we're off taking care of other people, no spot up front for you and last in line for the fuel truck....

You're paying the ramp fee, get the best value for your money and help us organize our resources as well.

Fuel truck will come to you, unless there are fixed pumps.

Oh, and insist on cookies. I think it's in the CAR's somewhere that FBO's must have cookies available unless otherwise authorized by the minister or something along those lines.

[ScudRunner]

Oh, and insist on cookies. I think it's in the CAR's somewhere that FBO's must have cookies available unless otherwise authorized by the minister or something along those lines.

its in subsection C part 4 of the CARS, I have never seen an ops spec negating this rule.

[200hr Wonder]

Funny I have never gotten cookies at any FBO ever... clearly I have been GETTING SCREWED!

[BGH]

I've used the Shell (Westwind Aviation I think) for my Cessna 185 many times over the years & i usually give them a head's up on my arrival date & approximate time & since I'm in their system they even call my uncle to pick me up as his number is in their list.

You should contact both fbo's though to get their current fuel price as Saskatoon adds lots of crap to the pump price meaning that the only place I paid more for a litre of avgas was Ottawa.

Cookies,candy,gum ,refreshements & even catering have been offered to me on arrival & to be available for departure if required so i always stay there when in Saskatoon.If you know roughly when you're leaving they'll have the plane fueled & sitting outside the door for your departure if you wish as well.

Daryl

[redwing]

Thanks for the replys, just wondering what do I address them as over the radio?

[freakonature]

Try XNY 556 A for Apple. Ask for Joe Two Rivers.

[Nark]

There isn't a protocol for FBO's.

"Aeroshell, I'm 15 out. Warm the hookers and I need 500 gallons"

[swordfish]

Thanks for the replys, just wondering what do I address them as over the radio?

You would probably say: "Saskatoon Avitat" or "Saskatoon Shell". CAUTION: They might be on the same frequency, as they are at YXD. Arriving at Edmonton City Center, we say: "City Avitat".

People in Sask tend to say "Toon" as a slang abbreviation ...don't know if it goes that far on the radio. The word "Saskatoon" is too long ....

The CFS might have the name of the dealer in the "Services" section of the airport (I'm at home, and don't have a CFS handy), in which case you could address them by their name.

[swordfish]

p.s. How about them Saskatchewan Roughriders?? Now THAT was a close game!

[redwing]

Thanks for the info, just wondering with fixed pumps whats the procedure, do I just pull right next to it if no one else is around, and someone fuels it up? And when I am finished how far should I push the aircraft away before starting?

[swordfish]

Yes pull up beside them; but as one respondent indicated, they will probably have a marshaller there to meet you.

When you are done, you will have to either push or taxi away from the pumps if you're going to be there any length of time, so others can get in to refuel also.