Loading ...
FBOs have been fighting each other for business since their inception, and for some their ingenuity has paid off. It’s a competitive business where the smallest conveniences can make all the difference. One way is to bribe reward the pilot, thus encouraging them to influence dispatchers to continue visiting a particular FBO. The majority of FBOs now have some type of reward system in place, usually through their fuel distributor whether it be Avfuel, Chevron, Philips, and so on. The most popular reward system was created by Atlantic Aviation, named “Reward Bucks” or “Atlantic bucks”. Reward Bucks is a program where pilots who enroll in the program are issued a reloadable American Express gift card where money accumulates based on the quantity of fuel purchased. Currently, they are giving $5 for every 100 gallons of Jet-A purchased or $10 per 100 gallons if you say the magic words, “top it off.” The cost for Atlantic Aviation is approximately .12 cents per gallon after American Express’ fee is added.
From time to time we hear comments regarding the infamous “black boxes” installed on commercial aircraft, although no one is certain why it is described as such or who coined term. The nickname for the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), the “black box”, more than likely stems from a reference to miscellaneous electronic equipment. The recorders are actually orange in color to allow it to stand out among other metal debris. The recorders consist of numerous computer chips surrounded by a strong metal cylinder-like case to ensure it can survive high impacts. The CVR can store approximately two hours of audio, including pilot-to-pilot conversations and transmissions with air traffic control (ATC).
The sour economy has caused the freight volume of the United Parcel Service (UPS) to drop sharply forcing the company to propose significant budget cuts, including the furloughing of 300 pilots. UPS and its pilots’ union, the Independent Pilots Association (IPA) has reached an agreement to freeze furloughing until at least April 2010. UPS First Officer, Brent Maggio says, “I’ve been furloughed a number of times in my flying career, but at my age of 49, I’m not in a position to start over from scratch. I have a house and a family to provide for and flying jobs are currently few and far between.” The agreement is certainly good news for Brent and his fellow pilots, but hopefully things improve by April so furloughing can be avoided, once more.
