Free for all
Giveaways and deals at FBOs
ACI Jet, San Luis Obispo, California (SBP)
Located in California’s central coast region, ACI Jet at San Luis County Regional Airport is a general aviation friendly FBO that’s worth a stop. With reasonable overnight parking fees for pistons and welcoming service, it’s a great fuel stop or destination for all pilots. Beyond the coffee, soft drinks, and snacks, the FBO offers local ice cream from nearby Negranti Creamery in Paso Robles. And if you fuel up, be sure to get a stamp card—five top-offs of 100LL earn you a free bottle of wine.
Marathon Jet Center, Marathon, Florida (MTH)
The Florida Keys are on many pilot bucket lists, and Marathon, Florida, located south of Key Largo along Seven Mile Bridge, is one of the gateways to the tropical archipelago. After you fly over the clear blue and green waters of the coast and call it a day, the folks at Marathon Jet Center at The Florida Keys Marathon International Airport will help you get your evening started with a complimentary adult beverage. Enjoy your drink before heading into town and remember, eight hours bottle to throttle!
Jack’s Aces Pilot Lounge, Gulf Air Center, Gulf Shores, Alabama (JKA)
Another gorgeous coastal area, Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a worthy stop as well. Visiting aviators to Jack’s Aces at Gulf Shores International are treated to Southern hospitality and even better, a complimentary home-cooked meal with the purchase of fuel. While you dine, hang out on the covered porch and aircraft-spot—with its proximity to local military training fields like Naval Air Station Pensacola, you might get treated to some unique visitors.
Warrenton/Fauquier Airport, Midland, Virginia (HWY)
At Warrenton/Fauquier Airport, pilots can enjoy free transient parking, and then snack on hot dogs in the brand-new glass-walled FBO building—perfect for watching airplanes. Near Shenandoah National Park, this airport is within 60 nautical miles of the DCA VOR, so make sure you’ve completed your Washington, D.C., Special Flight Rules Area training before flying in.
Sporty’s Pilot Shop in Batavia, Ohio (I69)
The iconic Sporty’s Pilot Shop at Clermont County Airport offers free hot dogs and brats between noon and 2 p.m. on Saturdays, creating the feeling of a small fly-in each weekend. You can also head into the store to fill up your flight bag with those goodies you’ve been eyeing in the catalog. As a visitor to Sporty’s, you’ll also get a discounted admission to the Tri-State Warbird Museum.
What’d we miss? Send us your favorite complimentary FBO goodies!
[email protected], subject line: FBO goodies
And, of course, the courtesy car
In many places around the county, whether at a swanky jet center or a cozy mom and pop FBO, visiting pilots will have the option of a courtesy car. Often, all you need to do is show your driver’s license. You can use it to run into town for a meal, explore, or in some cases, keep the car overnight at no cost. To keep this great privilege, follow some basic courtesy car etiquette. Below a quarter of a tank (and some would say below half), add a few bucks of gas, and never return the car on empty. Also, if you say you’ll have the car for a couple hours, don’t push it. It’s rude. And, of course, please drive safely. —AH
