You land at charming small airport and are intrigued by a sign that tells you Aunt Bess is offering the best homemade doughnuts just three miles down the road in town. You need those doughnuts but, even though your waistline might benefit from the walk, you’d prefer to drive. However, there’s no rental car facility here and you hadn’t planned ahead and arranged for a rental. Give up on the doughnuts? Nope, inside the small FBO is a nice line guy or airport manager who says, “Take the car.” Take the car? When’s the last time you heard that?
A little-known facet of the general aviation life—and one that enriches GA across the country—is the courtesy car. It’s usually a beater, or an old Crown Vic, or someone’s ancient pickup, but it’s free transportation that is offered as a good neighbor policy—just fill it up with gas when you bring it back. (We have heard of brand-new, high-end luxury cars at some airports, too.)
The courtesy car is usually just for use for a short period of time and sometimes the keys are simply under the mat. Time to eat the doughnuts!
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