AOPA is currently lauding Atlantic Aviation for publishing transient aircraft fees on its websites. While this is something of a positive step, I do want to point out that for any airports I checked, they include a handling fee, the amount of fuel needed to waive the handling fee, and a security fee. Notably missing from this listing is the parking or tiedown fee. At the two Atlantic locations I visit most often, the missing fee is $20 per night, and none are waived with fuel purchase. Needless to say, this can add up to a lot.
I believe Signature is still doing the same thing, omitting parking or tiedown fees on its website. Signature is charging $25 per day for parking at many out of the way GA-only airports.
Please AOPA, let's not take our eyes off the ball. It would be nice if you publicly request these large FBO chains to list all of their fees. Whether this is intentional deception or not, I can't say, but it is certainly not meeting my definition of transparency.
Jon
Thank you for your feedback, Jon.
I have to say that it was no small feat to get to the level of transparency that we have now. I'm sure I speak for everyone involved when I say that we appreciate you bringing this and any other points that you might notice regarding what we can do to improve the results of our efforts.
That being said, rest assured that AOPA's desire and call for transparency have been communicated very clearly to all industry stakeholders that have a hand in providing this information to the pilot population. We are VERY proud to see the entirety of Atlantic Aviation publishing fees for all to see. I will make sure that those in our Airports division who can address getting those parking/tiedown fees being not published get your message.
Thank you for the reply, Dusty. I do appreciate AOPA's efforts on this problem. I can say without exaggeration that I often need to spend more time “fee planning” than flight planning for a trip. Unfortunately, even with the information now public, there is still no alternative to calling every potential FBO you may visit to confirm pricing. And as I am sure others would agree, even doing that is no guarantee that what you are told on the phone matches the bill when you show up.
Thanks again,
Jon