Viewpoint: Gaining Altitude on Value Continued from page 11 Benjamin Goodheart is an aviation professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the field. His diverse career began in aviation line service and has expanded to roles in aviation safety and loss control, training, and professional flying. He has worked in and with a variety of aviation organizations, including flight training organizations, business and general aviation operators, and major airlines, and his varied experience affords him a wide variety of opportunities to practice within his passion. Benjamin is an active author and researcher focused on novel applications within aviation safety management and organizational climate and culture. He holds an undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Science, a Master of Science in Safety Science, and a Ph.D. from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a specialization in applied aviation safety. Dr. Goodheart also holds several professional aviation certifications, as well as Airline Transport Pilot and flight instructor are out to get anyone either, but the diverse patchwork of governance structure across our country means that airport management may change as often as election cycles, and FBOs have to weather the uncertainty. Years of excessive and often frivo- lous lawsuits have made insurance at FBOs a daunting prospect. Most have to maintain limits of at least 50 mil- lion dollars, and in many cases that can rise to as much as 250 million or more. Whereas most aircraft opera- tors—particularly of turbine equip- ment—don’t have a deductible, FBOs commonly see deductibles of 25 or 50 thousand dollars as a starting point. “Well, don’t damage an airplane!” you might say. Whether they’ve experi- enced a loss or not, your local FBO pays their share of the industry’s risk, and though there are certainly legiti- mate losses, any aviation insurer has dozens of stories of operators flying in with damage, and blaming an FBO. While a number of FBO chains continue to grow—and their buying power is reflected in fuel and hangar pricing—the independent operators so many of us continue to frequent are left to compete in smaller mar- kets and with far less flexibility. Just like any other business, we aviators have a lot of choices. I may pay less for a product online in exchange for the uncertainty of any recourse if it fails. Likewise, I can choose to buy locally and pay a bit more for quality service. FBOs, whether independent Benjamin J. Goodheart, Ph.D. or part of a chain, are often gen- eral aviation’s strongest link to a community. Their teams maintain connections with the airport man- ager, city council, local businesses and the non-flying public as well. Any more, it seems aviators want food for free, parking for free, fuel at a “special” rate and a clean, refur- bished lounge with all the channels and Wi-Fi you could ask for, also for free. Try that at your local Walmart or hardware store or restaurant. The expectation there is that you get what you pay for. Sooner or later, your local coffee shop may take offense if you only stop in for restrooms and inter- net access. And, we can all choose to take our business where we please. We pilots have a choice when we buy a product or service, and a lot of the current rhetoric on the topic of FBO pricing seems to ignore that enduring reality of the American marketplace in favor of twisting the intent of access laws to force businesses to lower prices to the point of unsustainability. It seems we in GA won’t be satis- fied until our short-term desire to save a bit of money helps outside interests (already actively trying to undermine our voice in avia- tion) seal general aviation’s fate as “an industry that once was.” Your local FBO is fighting for sustainability just like any other busi- ness, and like you, they’re passionate about keeping GA vibrant and healthy for many years to come. Unlike most of us individual pilots, FBO managers are often at the front lines of ensur- ing GA has a seat at the table and a place in local communities. They’re face-to-face with neighbors on airport noise committees, they’re involved in town council meetings, they support the airport manager’s efforts to keep airports secure, and they are active in preserving our right to fly freely. Heck, if you have an issue with an FBO, MRO or other service provider, then you might stop in to say ‘Hello.’ My bet is you’ll find someone just as excited by aviation as you. Together, we have a bet- ter chance of addressing the chal- lenges we all face. Happy flying. Dr. Benjamin Goodheart is the Managing Director of Versant, an international safety and risk management firm based in Colorado. Benjamin has extensive experience in aviation safety management, plan- ning and accident investigation. He is an ATP-rated pilot and flight instructor, and he holds a Ph.D. with a research focus on general aviation safety and organizational performance. To learn more about how Versant can help you manage risk, call 833-VERSANT or visit Versant on the web at versantrisk.com. Aviation Business Journal | 2nd Quarter 2018 13
