Signature moves to simplify FBO fees after years of pilot complaints

Signature Aviation is simplifying charges for aircraft visiting its FBOs and limiting special-event surcharges, nearly a decade after complaints about its fees first prompted the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) to seek FAA intervention at three US airports.

The newly introduced Signature Access program combines various FBO charges into a single price based on aircraft size, time spent on the ramp and location. Pilots and operators can use an online calculator to check fees before arrival.

The program is operating at selected locations for now, with a phased rollout planned over the coming months. Qualifying fuel purchases at participating US locations will waive the first hour’s access charge. Hangar space, ground power and lavatory service will remain separately priced, Signature said.

Beginning in 2027, Signature also plans to restrict special-event fees to a small number of events that create unusually high demand. It says it will disclose affected locations and prices at least 30 days in advance.

The planned events include the 2027 Super Bowl in Los Angeles, the College Football Playoff National Championship in Las Vegas, Art Basel in Miami Beach, the US Open tennis tournament and United Nations General Assembly in New York, and certain Formula 1 race weekends.

AOPA has spent years pressing FBOs to disclose their prices and keep access to publicly funded airports affordable.

In August 2017, AOPA and seven pilots filed FAA complaints over pricing at Waukegan National Airport (UGN) in Illinois, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in North Carolina and Key West International Airport (EYW) in Florida. All three have Signature Flight Support locations.

AOPA argued that pilots were being required to pay for services they neither requested nor used. The association said a lack of competition at some airports left pilots with little choice but to pay the fees.

Among the examples AOPA cited was a pilot who received a $236 bill after parking a light aircraft at Waukegan for two hours. Signature reduced the charge to $90 after he protested, according to the association.

Signature began publishing handling and infrastructure fees for piston aircraft at most of its US locations in 2018. AOPA welcomed that change but said turbine operators should be given the same information. Pilots still had to call individual locations to learn about some parking, security and other charges.

AOPA Acting Co-President Katie Pribyl welcomed the latest move toward clearer pricing while maintaining the association’s call for affordable airport access.

“We’ll keep advocating for fair, reasonable pricing that keeps flying within reach for everyone,” Pribyl said.

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Acting Chief Operating Officer Dan Hubbard also welcomed advance pricing information, saying it allows operators to make decisions before arriving at an FBO.

“Transparency in all aspects of operations, including FBO pricing, is of paramount importance to FBO customers,” Hubbard said. “Having clear, upfront information about pricing and services allows operators to plan ahead and make informed decisions well before an aircraft arrives at an FBO.”

The association said it would continue reviewing the program and seek feedback from operators after implementation.

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