August 22, 2014

Orlando Air Taxi flights

Orlando, one of our busiest Florida destinations

The people we fly to Orlando are a mix of shoppers, tourists, and business people. We use several airports in the area depending how close they are to our passengers final destination. The Orlando airports we use most are as follows:

Orlando Executive ORL (nearest to downtown Orlando),
Kissimee Gateway ISM (nearest to Walt Disney World and theme parks),
Orlando International MCO (Originally named after Colonel Norman McCoy who was killed there during a 1958 Air Force bombing competition)
Sanford International Airport (Northeast of Orlando)
Apopka Airport (Northwest of Orlando)

Note: US Airport codes begin with the letter "K" but we drop it for simplicity. We use the four letter ICAO (International Civil Aviation Org.) codes which are different from the three letter IATA (International Air Transport Assoc.) codes used by airlines. Just a bit of trivia to impress your friends.

Fixed Base Operation (FBO)

The private air terminals (FBO) we use for the Orlando airports are all very nice and offer excellent service. You should stop by, even if you're not on an air taxi flight. Just walk in, have a look, and tell the friendly lady at the counter that you're checking out their facility for a future flight. For Kissimmee we use the Ranger Jet Center FBO (FBO means "Fixed Base Operation" - a term taken from barnstormer days when pilots and planes were transient businesses. Later, new regulations and licensing requirements encouraged many aviation businesses to be "fixed" in one location to distinguish them from transient operations). So, to sound savvy in private aviation, say "hey, what FBO shall I meet you at?".

Signature FBO Lobby in MCO (Orlando Intl')

Another nice place to meet your Air Taxi flight is Signature FBO at MCO. Signature FBO is one of the largest FBO chains in the US. They provide premium services to mostly private jets. The service provided by Signature's MCO staff and facility are excellent. These private FBO's are also very accessible. Unlike the airline terminal, you can drive right up to the FBO lobby or park nearby. Walk in and enjoy a free coffee or tea. It's a completely different experience from the crowded airline side of the airport.

At the Orlando Executive Airport there are two FBO's we use (some of our Air Taxi customers prefer one or the other), Sheltair FBO and Showalter FBO. Sheltair is located on the west side of the Orlando Executive Airport which I find convenient for quick travel to downtown and access to nearby restaurants. Showalter has been at this airport since 1945 and has an excellent, experienced staff.

Showalter FBO Lobby at Orlando Executive Airport

Note: Showalter FBO was acquired by Atlantic Aviation another excellent FBO with great service to passengers and private aircraft.

Rental Cars and Hotels too

All these FBO's provide rental cars (for both pickup and drop off) much easier than at the airline terminal. Plus your car will be waiting by the plane when you arrive. Or, of course, taxi's and car services are available too. These FBO's are very much like concierge services. In addition to arranging your ground transportation, they also can arrange hotels at prearrange rates too. Although this service is normally for used by pilots, passengers can take advantage of this too. Just ask us when you book your flight.

As you can see, there are plenty of options in Orlando if you're flying in and want to get close to your final destination. Make good use of what's out there so you can spend more time shopping, sightseeing, or doing business.

Head Aviator by William A. Ibarra

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Where is Aviator Services located?

We're based in Miami, Florida, at the Miami Executive Airport (formerly known as the Tamiami Airport (TMB)). We're located about forty-five minutes from South Beach and near Kendall, Coral Gables, and Pinecrest.

What is your service area?

We fly to all cities in Florida and the Southeast USA from our Miami base. Although, our aircraft (Cirrus SR22) is capable of flying to anywhere in the United States, our aircraft is most efficient at distances within 500 miles. We do not offer service to the Bahamas in our Cirrus SR22 due to FAA restrictions for single-engine aircraft flying over water (beyond gliding distance to land).

What aircraft do you use?

We fly the technically advanced Cirrus SR22 aircraft. The plane with the parachute. It's like flying in a luxury car with wings. It's fast, comfortable, air-conditioned (Florida summers are hot), and has satellite radio with Bose headphones for you to enjoy quiet entertainment. Generaly we can carry up to 600 lbs (272 Kilos) of passengers and bags. We can often carry more depending on the length of your flight.

What are your hours of operation?

Our normal hours of operation are 7AM to 7PM daily but we do, of course, fly outside these normal hours if your trip requires it. During our normal business hours, though, we are available for short notice flights.

Do you have larger aircraft?

If you have more than three passengers or otherwise require a larger plane for your trip we can arrange this for you through one of our network operators. We work with several other local aircraft charter operators with a full range of aircraft and experienced crews.

How can I pay?

We accept credit cards, cash, checks and Bitcoin for payment. We require full payment in advance of your flight unless you have a business account with us.

Do you arrange ground transportation?

We can arrange for rental cars, car service, or taxi at your destination so you can be on your way soon after you arrive. Let us know when you reserve your flight if you require ground transportation at your destination. Also, we arrange transfers to or from airline terminals if you are departing on or returning from an airline flight. We do this often at Miami International Airport.

Special requests?

Please advise us of any special request you may have about your flight. Some customers ask us to overfly a landmark to take pictures or if a specific person can sit next to the pilot during flight. Please ask and we'll make every effort to satisfy your request.

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