Winter Flying May Be Cheaper....  or NOT?

As we watch the fuel prices go from an all time high of five dollars a gallon to that lower mystery number we have yet to see, it could make for cheaper flying this fall and winter.  Since auto fuel has dropped from three dollars per gallon to its current $2.10 a gallon, there is hope for lower fuel at the FBO pump as the older high price fuel is sold.  That is one thing that most FBOs do that doesn’t happen at the auto gas stations.  FBOs wait till the in-stock fuel is sold at the purchased price plus the markup.  They raise or lower the price determined on the next fuel purchase price.  I am amazed at some of the wide spread of aviation fuel pricing that is found.  This month a pilot will find fuel at $2.89 (self-serve or ten cents more and they’ll pump it for you) at Gainesville (TX) to pricing just under or well over five dollars a gallon in other places.   

Shopping for lower priced fuel is common as we drive or car or fly our plane.  FBOs that work the system and MERCHANDISE their fuel and FBO will find many grateful and returning customers/pilots.  Some FBOs price their fuel as if they have just purchased the final two-thousand gallons of fuel in the world.  With their plans to sell it at a premium price until the last drop is squeezed out of the hose.  Other FBOs understand that they are still drilling holes and pumping that black gold out of the ground.  That means that as soon as they sell the product at a low price they can purchase more to sell.  These folks are the smart ones.  They know how to merchandise their products and make money.  It makes since to shop for your best price for fuel, get that bird out and fly. 

Flying Destination 

I just returned from a small town in the southeast plains of Kansas.  An invitation to attend an air show in Fort Scott was given and I accepted.  The manager of the airport, Kenny Howard, suggested that I try this ‘not so new’ bed and breakfast called Lyons’ Mansion.  One call to Pat Lyons put my name on the reservation list for the weekend of the air show and airport day in Fort Scott.   

I arrived a day early and spent it with Pat in her 1876 Mansion.  She gave me the guided tour and as the words flowed out of her mouth, it reminded me of a past trip to Colonial Williamsburg (VA).  She made the home come alive with history and tales of the characters who lived and played in her antique home.  I have referred to the home/B&B as a museum.  With the home and its decorations, there is no doubt that it needs to be on the United States list of Historic Buildings.   

The trip was a beautiful three days in a real unique town, filled with history as rich and as important as those in western Kansas and Colorado.  No mountains here, but lots of history in the old building of downtown Fort Scott and the remains and reconstructed old Fort.  Looking for a place to take your significant other, call Miss Pat.  The story is on page eighteen. 

Front Cover 

I should explain the front cover.  My office is at the airport and my grandson, Isaac, visits often.  When he hears Unicom chatter, his eyes glisten, his head perks up and in two year old talk says, “Airplane… see!!!”  He grabs his hat, sunglasses, and whatever else he can get…. runs to the hangar door to see the plane take off or land.  This time I decide to photograph his excitement at flying.  Didn’t take very many shots to get his best side, I think I have created a pilot in him.