CYHM FBOs?

[Richard Harder]

We used to visit Peninsulair but understand they are no more, which FBO would you recommend for a three day stay? Don't need a rental car or anything, just a safe place to park and fuel up (Bonanza).
- Richard

[chipmunk]

I was there for an overnight a few weeks ago and used the Shell (which is called by something starting with the letter "G" - I can't remember exactly what though...)
Ramp staff were quite nice, and dropped us off at our hotel, and picked us up in the morning. The woman behind the desk was quite helpful, and waived the ramp fees since we uploaded fuel.
Just ensure that your aircraft is parked and chocked how you like it before you leave -- we had one wheel chocked and asked for a second set of chocks, and they said they'd do it "later" but forgot...
I'd go back though... good place as far as Canadian FBOs go!

[yfly]

G is for Glanford (Shell)
M is for Marsh Bothers or at least it used to be (Esso)
J is for "Just don't bother" (Jetport)

[flycyhm]

.

[DHC-1 Jockey]

The Esso is now run by Cargojet. Our company has had problems with them as in when we've shown up at 3 AM on the weekend, they were closed and would not do a call out. We went to the Shell instead. The lounge in Cargojet is nice enough, but there's no snooze room as far as I know.

[TripleBFlyboy]

Glanford Shell will accomodate you as much as possible. Car rentals, Hotel, they have a lounge with a computer, cable TV and COFFEE. They have a courtesy van to drop you off, or pick you up at your hotel (if ground crew staff is available). They will fuel(obviously) and give out any other services needed. GPU, Lav service, overnight hangarage etc. etc. They are the ONLY ones at Hamilton with AvGas.

123.5 I believe

Despite of what flyyhm says, I see no record of anything like a truck into a plane. I'm sure all FBO's have thier stories, but come on...

[Richard Harder]

[quote="TripleBFlyboy"] They are the ONLY ones at Hamilton with AvGas.
quote]

Seriously?! Well I guess Glanford it is. How can an FBO possibly stay in business without selling Avgas? I know the jet market is more lucrative but wow, I've never encountered that before. I've flown into some big airports (IAD, DTW) and have never had a problem getting Avgas, even though those airports clearly cater to the turbine crowd.

Thanks for all the replies.

RH

[chipmunk]

They are the ONLY ones at Hamilton with AvGas.
quote]

Seriously?! Well I guess Glanford it is. How can an FBO possibly stay in business without selling Avgas? I know the jet market is more lucrative but wow, I've never encountered that before. I've flown into some big airports (IAD, DTW) and have never had a problem getting Avgas, even though those airports clearly cater to the turbine crowd.

Thanks for all the replies.

RH

US airports and FBOs are far superior and cater to GA folks so much better to those in Canada.

Esso Avitat in Ottawa doesn't carry Avgas anymore (or at least they didn't when I called them a few weeks ago from the Ottawa Shell, who USUALLY carries avgas but their truck was broken for about 3 weeks... and the only place to get it was at the North Field flight schools.) Frustrating to say the least...

[flycyhm]

.

[linecrew]

Esso Avitat in Ottawa doesn't carry Avgas anymore (or at least they didn't when I called them a few weeks ago from the Ottawa Shell, who USUALLY carries avgas but their truck was broken for about 3 weeks... and the only place to get it was at the North Field flight schools.) Frustrating to say the least...

LOL! Too funny. I also hear the Shell has to drive their truck all the way to Montreal to get the gas to sell in Ottawa. Maybe that's the reason why it broke down!

[MUSKEG]

I find it rather amusing that many pilots (mostly private) feel they can use a facility, washrooms, coffee, parking, company computors, and when asked to pay a ramp charge because they didn't buy fuel they become indignant. It's a service industry and nothing is for free anymore. I will gladly look after your needs but it will cost you something. After hours, no problem, but it will cost you a callout. I also will run hours that are profitable to ME, and will not stay open just in case you might go flying and you might need fuel and you might stop here. Sorry. But hey, the coffee is still free and so are the smiles. I can't afford to stay open long hours and hope that the 150 I see flying around needs fuel, and usually they take less than VW rabbit. Yup a whole 13 liters the other day and it was -20, so the truck needed to be warmed up. Hmmmm, make any money? That is why many are no longer selling Avgas.

[Hedley]

I guess. Flying the 421 we buy 100LL in $900 gulps,
which I guess isn't worth getting out of bed for a
Canadian. If I stop someplace, and get treated like
excrement, I probably won't ever stop there (and
buy gas) ever again - and this is the kicker - even
if I am only flying a Pitts.

Canadian FBO operators ought to visit the US sometime -
they would be blown away by their knowledge of, and
commitment to customer service. You piss off someone,
you've lost a customer for life.

A friend of mine once told me, "Canadians want to sell
you a quart of oil and retire". He's probably right. We
made the mistake of buying some spark plugs in Canada
the other day - $55 each, for massive electrode. They're
USD$24 from Spruce. Bought some oil filters - got charged
$47, identical from Spruce is USD$20.

I sometimes wonder if all Canadians are on crack, or
only some of them.

[Cat Driver]

I went to Oshkosh and Toronto last summer with the guy that owns the Husky I am flying for him.

He owns a trucking company that has terminals coast to coast in Canada and down into the USA.

He was so impressed with the service we received at FBO's all across the USA and the service we received from hotels/ motels he has used that experience as an example to his district managers of how " every " customer should be treated.

You never know who is flying that little single engine airplane that buys fuel from your FBO.

[MUSKEG]

Hedley I will gladly and with a smile sell you all the avgas you need, even after hours. There will be a callout attached but that gives you a warm place to wait as long as you need, all the coffee you can drink, and a couch to crash on. I know the value of a customer, but when it cost's me more in salary to look after them than I make, then to continue that on a regular bases is silly. Once in a while OK, no problem it comes out in the wash. To many ALWAYS use the " I'll buy some fuel next time routine". Even had a guy ask to use the crew car to get into town to buy jerry cans of Mogas. I must have had "Stupid" stencilled on my forehead or something. I sold him fuel with a smile.

[tiny]

There is a balance when it comes to extra charges. Last time I was in CYYC I stopped at the Esso for fuel in a 172, only stayed long enough to take on fuel and was still charged $50 parking fee!

[hazatude]

Hi Richard. I remember you and your stays with us at Peninsulair. It's the people that I miss most in aviation.

Greg Haza
Former Ramp God

[Dr.Piper]

Kind of makes me think that Glanford is going to be super busy on the May 2,3 weekend.

Unfortunately there is nothing on the Expo website that says they are the only show in town.

Too bad Penair got shut out from the airport.

Oh well. Good luck.

Haza, you will always be the one and only Ramp God.