Aero-Tips!
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statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of
"there are no old, bold pilots.")
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didn't "stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized
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Aero-Tips 12.27.06
For most of us owning an airplane is a dream that is out of
reach, at least for now. These pilots (like me) have to rent
airplanes. For others who do own an airplane, the need may
sometimes arise to rent something else-something more capable for a
cross-country trip, for instance, or a simpler airplane for local,
fun flying. Almost universally, pilots complain about the
appearance of rental airplanes, the sometimes questionable
maintenance status, especially of avionics, and the whole concept
of scheduling and availability when competing with perhaps dozens
of other pilots for use of the same airplane.
If only pilots all took better care of the airplanes they rent,
cleaned up after themselves, and did what they could to get the
airplane back home on schedule, then the rental experience would be
a lot better for everyone. This might even encourage more people to
use rental airplanes more often, encouraging FBOs to add
good-condition airplanes to their fleets. (In fact, FBOs that rent
good-condition, well-equipped late-model airplanes generally have
booming business despite the higher cost of renting these more
expensive airplanes).
The Renter's Code
ANN's Paul Plack and I talked about this in a recent Aero-Craft podcast. I propose
a voluntary Aircraft Renter's Code of Conduct covering such items
as:
- Aircraft operation and use
- Dealing with maintenance squawks away from home base
- What to do if you can't get back on schedule
- Preparing the airplane for the next pilot
You can read the full Aircraft Renter's Code of
Conduct on my website. I encourage you to print,
distribute and post the Code if you feel it will improve the
airplane rental experience for everyone.
To be sure, the onus is on renting FBOs to provide an airworthy,
attractive product that promotes confidence and encourages rental
business. But given the tight budgets of most FBOs, we rental
pilots must do our part to minimize the FBO's costs and effort
needed to take care of the airplanes. A little diligence from us
will go a long way to enhance the product.
Aero-tip of the day: Voluntarily adhere to the
Aircraft Renter's Code of Conduct. It'll improve the rental
experience for everyone... including YOU.