Q: What does FBO stand for?
A: FBO stands for Fixed Base Operator.
Q: What does an FBO do?
A: An FBO is a primary service provider for most general aviation airports. They provide fuel, hangar storage, towing, and other ground support operations for a variety of aircraft. Additional services may include maintenance, charter, aircraft management, and a flight school.
Q: How many clients do you provide support to?
A: Preferred currently has approximately 90 aircraft in its hangars at any given time, as well as over 800 other transient clients that come from all over the world.
Q: Who are your clients?
A: We service all general, corporate, or private aircraft owners. Our clients include the local business community, the charter customer, celebrities &dignitaries, political figures, professional athletes, Fortune 500 & 1000 companies, the military, and the new or everyday pilot out for a flight. Our clients come from all over the United States, Canada, Central & South America, the Bahamas, and now even Europe.
Q: What is the biggest aircraft you can handle?
A: Preferred typically handles operations for all aircraft up to a 94 ft wingspan, including Gulfstream 550, Global Express, & Embraer ERJ.
Q: What is the size of your hangars?
A: We have 5 corporate hangars totaling 80,000 sq ft. Each hangar ranges in size from 10,000 to 20,000 sq ft with over 30 ft doors. We also lease approximately 20,000 sq ft of office.
Q: What are the most aircraft you have ever had visit for an event?
A: In September 2007, Atlanta hosted the National Business Aviation Association. During the 3 days of the convention, Preferred had over 100 business jets and 30 piston aircraft on its ramp. This was the most in the history of McCollum Airport for any single event.
Q: What is the length of your runway?
A: The runway at Cobb County-McCollum Airport is one of the largest private aviation runways in metro-Atlanta at 6,305 ft long and 100 ft wide, all concrete.
Q: What are your hours of operation?
Preferred's hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 0600- 2200 EST; Saturday & Sunday, 0700 - 2200 EST. We are open 7 days a week, 364 days a year, closing only on Christmas Day. Many of our flights are earlier or later than normal business hours, so we do provide 24 hour service upon request.
Employment Questions
Q: Do I need any prior aviation experience to work at Preferred?
A: While we typically look for at least 1-year of prior aviation experience outside of McCollum, we will hire applicants who have, at minimum, an interest in pursuing aviation either as a pilot or other career.
Q: Are there any other qualifications you look for?
A: In addition to the aviation background, applicants must demonstrate an outgoing personality, good communication skills to interact with high-level customers, strong work ethic, and ability to work in a team environment to accomplish the mission.
Q: How long do I have to sign up for?
A: There is no employment contract requiring a minimum amount of time with Preferred; however, we strongly value a long-term commitment from all applicants. We concentrate on retaining great employees so that our customers know what to expect upon each visit.
Q: Is there drug testing?
A: Absolutely. Preferred Jet is affiliated with the Georgia "Drugs Don't Work" program and enforces a very strict drug and alcohol abuse policy on all applicants and existing employees.
Q: What is the training like?
A: All applicants who join our team will go through a rigorous 90-day training schedule at 25-40 hours per week.
Line personnel will follow a thorough program backed by the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Safety 1st during this training period. During that time, you will be required to take and successfully pass all 13 examinations specific to each step of your training. You will learn basic ground support procedures, customer service, the phonetic alphabet and other aviation terminology, basic principles of flight and aircraft structure, fueling, towing of aircraft, and more. After earning your certification, you will then be placed on shift.
Customer service representative also test using a select portion of the NATA Safety 1st program specific to their job requirements and to provide them a basic understanding of aviation.
