FBO Buildings for Daily Operations

FBOs operating within the airport premises may either construct buildings on the approval of the airport or lease already constructed buildings to meet the purpose of the aeronautic services.

The type of buildings used by the FBOs would be completely dependent on the type of service specification they intend to provide. However, there are some key buildings worth mentioning. These FBO buildings are important for several purposes and they include;

Building for transient and tie-down parking

FBOs that provide aircraft parking and storage services would require an all-weather protective building and similar facilities that can be used for such services. Private aircraft owners and small corporate airlines would require such parking facilities for their aircraft. FBOs can be on-hand to provide this service.

Airplane T-hangars

Another building used by FBOs for the purpose of parking and storing aircraft is the T-hangar. Such hangars can provide maintenance and servicing. Aircraft can also be refueled and prepared for their next flight.

Aircraft Supplies Shop

FBOs would also fancy having an aircraft spare parts and other supplies shop. This shop can be an extension of a tie-down parking facility at the airport.

Passenger Waiting Area Facility

Passengers on transit would need a comfortable lounge where they can relax while waiting for a connecting flight. This is one other facility that FBOs tend to have at medium to high traffic airports. The passenger waiting area facility has an internet connection (WiFi access), a restaurant, lodging, and adequate restrooms.

General Facility

FBO can use a general facility for a number of reasons. The general facility can serve as an administrative office or a meeting room. It can also be useful for the sale of in-flight items. In addition, this facility can be useful in pilot training and flight school classes. It may also house virtual reality flight simulation equipment and other similar facilities for pilot training.

Other buildings that FBOs could require at an airport include an aviation fuel dump and aircraft refueling area. Those FBOs that provide sightseeing and aerial photography services could require a separate mini-hangar and repair shop for their small aircraft. This building could also double as a waiting room for those sightseers and tourists looking to book a flight and also to ratify their flight schedule.

FBOs that carter for emergency medical flights may require an exclusive facility. This facility would serve as a hangar, maintenance/servicing and fueling area. It would also have a connection to a dedicated runway that allows the emergency services aircraft to take off quickly and land without any interruptions.

This facility would also provide an emergency clinic to treat patients before they are either flown out or driven to more sophisticated hospitals in town. The layout of this facility would grant ambulances and EMT services ready access to the emergency service aircraft. The EMTs and ambulances would also be able to exit the airport in the quickest possible time in order to rapidly get the patient(s) to where they can get proper medical care.