Simplify, Integrate Billing And Record Keeping
There is a new software
package coming soon for FBO managers... and FBO Revolution is
promising to do just that... revolutionize the way aviation
businesses utilize technology to automate their day-to-day
operations.
FBO Revolution is a complete, fully integrated software package
capable of managing pilot shop inventory and sales, aircraft
scheduling and dispatch, aircraft maintenance, flight training,
charter services and airport security.
The Single Pilot Edition, which will be released in December of
2006, is designed for smaller FBOs requiring access at only one
workstation. The Crew Edition is scheduled for release in the 1st
quarter of 2007, and will support multiple workstations, and even
multiple sites. Also included in the Crew Version are charter and
airport security modules.
Both versions will be capable of online scheduling of aircraft
and flight lessons, a valuable tool for flight schools operating on
shoestring budgets that can save time and manpower when freed from
scheduling duties.
The pilot shop portion of the program is capable of tracking
inventory and sales, as well as aircraft rental and instruction.
Credit cards can be processed online, eliminating delays associated
with telephone based credit card processing.
The aircraft scheduling
and management features allow the FBO to eliminate handwritten
scheduling books. The software tracks scheduled maintenance, and
even forecasts upcoming maintenance needs based upon usage
patterns. It will not allow an aircraft that is down for
maintenance to be scheduled, and eliminates scheduling conflicts by
notifying the user of the need to move students and renters to
alternate aircraft. It also reviews a renter’s
qualifications, and will not allow scheduling to occur if the pilot
needs a BFR, their medical has expired or other such problems
exist. Aircraft dispatch sheets can be customized with such
information as TFR’s, weather reports and lesson plans.
The flight school management feature allows for the FBO to set
up a syllabus, and as the student completes a lesson, their
progress is tracked in the software. It can also be used to track
trends and usage of resources, and the data could be used to offer
discounts on days when aircraft are being under used. Also, by
tracking pilot information, the FBO can reach out to customers who
have been either inactive or very active. The system is also
capable of storing copies of pilot documents, such as medical and
pilot certificates.
Future enhancements planned for FBO Revolution include hanger
rental and tie-down fee collection support.