It Aint Just About Planes| Corporate Aviation Inspiration

It's also about a perseverance and the right family, from a disaster of a life, to a nearly life-ending disaster.

It Aint Just About Planes

It's About Life and the Choices You Have Made, This is About the Planes Part of My Life.

I wanted to write a story about what I had been through in my early life, I was emotionally wounded and physically scared because of things I had been through. But now I can say, I went through things that were tougher than I imagined, and now I got past that. Don’t try to stay in a mold that doesn’t fit, just be You. Embrace what makes you unique, it’s way more fun that way. The best things are often on the other side of scary stuff. Don’t let fear stop you from living boldly. You might surprise yourself with what you are capable of doing. Just remember that your past does not determine your future!

About Me

Who I Am

My FBO Experiences

What I Did

"Bill, you're tired of fighting. Finding a man like Bill is like a piece of starlight beautiful, bright, and rare. He has the heart of an angel and the spirit of a warrior. He knows how to make people smile, even when he's exhausted. He has walls built around his heart, but once you show your sincerity, he will never leave your side. Bill is much smarter than he lets people see, and when they underestimate him, he loves to prove them wrong. His only weakness is that he cares too much. He is something you will regrett losing!"

Written by Kathy Knowles, a former colleague.

What I Did

My FBO Experiences

What I Did

My life has been spent taking on under-performing and/or poorly managed Fixed Base Operations and developing them into leaders in the corporate aviation industry. Rather than a turnpike gas station for aircraft, I've focused on delivering the hospitality business to corporate aviation.

One of the key components is to have a staff that has a genuine interest in aviation as well as in your customers' needs and desires, instead of people just there to collect a paycheck.

I paid my employees more than the competition in the area, I but expected more from them.

My FBO Experiences

Myself, along with my staff had for decades worked with the corporate aviation industry, we had worked with clients from around the world. We all shared the same vision and developed a deep understanding of the needs of the corporate aviation market, and had a proven track record of success.

Destin was recognized nationally and internationally as one of the five best operations in the world!

It Ain't Just About Planes - My History in a Book

Inspiration for Writing the Book

For many years my friends, associates and clients have told me that I should write a book about my life. When I retired after working for a total of fifty-seven years, I was sitting in my office in my actual log cabin, in Blue Ridge, Georgia while the painters were working outside, I sat down at may computer and started to draft my manuscript.
It wasn’t until just before my 50th High School class reunion in 2014 that I began recalling some of the events and experiences that I have had since my early years through my last job in Destin, Florida. As I was recalling several of the friendships I had made through my working in the Corporate Aircraft Terminals, that allowed me to talk with these people on a one-to-one basis. In addition to my friendships there were so many opportunities to do or take part in, such as traveling to so many destinations, all of South and Central America, Canada, Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji , Tahiti, Mo’orea, and of course all of the states in the United States.
It has taken me several years to actually finish this book. What kept me going was my hope that several of you will get inspiration for making your life better. Your past does not control your future, it is in the choices you make that make the difference.

What To Know About Fixed Base Operators

FBOs are like service stations for aircraft, offering various services beyond fueling. They differ from terminals in security, boarding, and amenities for private aviation. FBOs are adapting to sustainable practices like unleaded avgas, SAF, and electric aircraft charging. It's common knowledge that commercial airliners park at gates connected to terminals, but the parking arrangements for private aircraft may be less familiar.

Let's delve into the concept of a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) and its crucial role in private aviation. How did the FBO come about? Similar to circuses, pilots and mechanics frequently worked “on the road” without having a formal home base. Following the passing of the 1926 US Air Commerce Act, regulations regarding training and maintenance were introduced. This forced pilots and mechanics to set up permanent businesses at airports to continue providing services. This business practice is why the companies are called “Fixed Base Operators.”

I tend to describe FBOs to my family and non-aviation friends as service stations for aircraft. Even though the word "terminal" can refer to an FBO (Fixed Base Operator), the two have significant differences. One of the most striking contrasts is the level of security screening. Terminals, which serve commercial airlines, implement rigorous security measures before passengers board airliners.

These measures include TSA agents, scanners, and thorough baggage checks. In contrast, FBOs, which cater to private aviation, do not have the same level of security requirements. This is because the risk of private aircraft hijacking is considered minimal.

As a result, FBOs are not required to have TSA agents or scanners on-site. FBOs generally do not have gates. Instead, passengers can usually walk to their aircraft with little more than a known crew member or an FBO employee. This streamlined boarding process contributes to the overall flexibility and convenience of FBOs. (From Microsoft Start)