An ongoing effort by AOPA and some GA industry allies has met with some success—Signature, the biggest FBO in the U.S., with about 200 locations, is now publishing its fees online, at least for piston aircraft. “This is a step in the right direction,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. AOPA’s staff review of the posted fees found they vary according to airport size. Big busy airports charge higher handling fees, such as $49 for a single, $99 for a light twin piston and $149 for a heavy twin piston, while smaller GA airports charge $29, $39 and $49. Fees also tend to be lower at fields with more than one FBO, AOPA found.
“We are not done here,” said Baker. “Fee transparency for all categories of aircraft and alternative access are critical to the protection of general aviation. This is a small victory for GA pilots. I look forward to working with FBOs and the FAA as we strive to improve the state of general aviation for all.” The rates for individual FBOs can be found at Signature’s website.
