- Argus Leader
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Wednesday, May 1, 2002
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BY CHRIS LAWRENCE
For the Argus Leader
published: 5/1/02
Pilot magazine bestows honors
Pilot Shane Stanley has a full-time job flying corporate executives across the
country in a Lear jet.
Stanley works for Evergreen Aviation, an Oregon-based company that owns a
commercial airline. Executives from his company fly on private jets instead of
commercial airlines because it cuts travel time in half, he says.
Part of saving time includes refueling at the right airport. That's why Stanley
frequently stops at Business Aviation Services in Sioux Falls - including
Tuesday. "They usually have everything we need ready by the time we
land," he said, adding that they are often ready to take off again in about
15 minutes. "It's important for us to make a quick stop since we are
traveling such a long distance."
That kind of service helped earn Business Aviation a high honor from
Professional Pilot magazine - the best FBO, or fixed base operator, in the
United States.
An FBO is a business that sells products and services, such as fuel, maintenance
and training, to the aviation industry.
The magazine also named sales director Koni Schiller No. 7 in the Best FBO
Employee category.
The magazine, which has 40,000 subscribers, presents the awards each year in its
April edition.
Pilots from across the nation vote for the FBO with the best service, efficiency
and value. "It's a real honor for us," said Richard Smith, vice
president and co-owner of Business Aviation, adding that larger FBOs
traditionally win the award.
In addition to Smith, owners of the business include president and CEO Dale
Froelich, vice president Linda Barker and board member Pete Pederson.
Business Aviation, which started in 1953, has grown significantly in recent
years. There were 40 employees and three hangars when the current owners bought
the business in 1990. Today, there are more than 160 employees and nine hangars.
"We had nowhere to go except grow this business into a top-notch FBO,"
Barker said.
The business also offers a freight service, maintenance shop and flight school.
Customers include business executives, private pilots and freight planes, she
said.
Many small FBOs are consolidating these days, but Business Aviation has been
able to stay competitive because of its fuel prices and customer service, Barker
said. "We give (customers) the red carpet treatment," she said, adding
the company offers a courtesy car, catering and helps make reservations at
hotels and restaurants. "We almost run a concierge," she said.
Competition for the business is mainly the other FBOs in the 300-mile radius.
For customers traveling from the East Coast, Sioux Falls is a convenient stop,
Schiller said: "If they are flying to Seattle, it's perfect."