independent CFI airport prohibition

[Martin Pauly]

The link is a sample FBO agreement. https://www.mdt.mt.gov/aviation/docs/sample-seeley-fbo-lease.pdf

It doesn’t say the independent CFI can’t instruct at the airport, but it does say the airport won’t let another to provide services under more favorable terms. The independent CFI, AP, ect doesn’t meet the insurance and indemnification requirements placed on the FBO.

Well, the way I read it, it says both:

3. It will not permit the conduct of any aeronautical endeavor or activity at the Airport except under an approved lease and operating agreement.

Depends a lot on the definition of aeronautical endeavor or activity. Is flight instruction (from an independent CFI) an aeronautical endeavor or activity? The agreement doesn't define what that is, but I could easily see the FBO making the argument that instruction falls under it. Then the independent CFI would have to first negotiate an agreement with the airport (which is not realistically going to happen).

- Martin

 

[Clip4]

Well, the way I read it, it says both:

3. It will not permit the conduct of any aeronautical endeavor or activity at the Airport except under an approved lease and operating agreement.

Depends a lot on the definition of aeronautical endeavor or activity. Is flight instruction (from an independent CFI) an aeronautical endeavor or activity? The agreement doesn't define what that is, but I could easily see the FBO making the argument that instruction falls under it. Then the independent CFI would have to first negotiate an agreement with the airport (which is not realistically going to happen).

- Martin

Having been that independent CFI, this issue takes on a different flavor at an FBO on a Class D or C airport where gate access to the hangars and ramp is controlled by the FBO.

 

[PaulS]

Hmmm, so does this mean if you fly to one of these airports with a CFI not based at said airport, the CFI is violating these rules?

 

[Clip4]

Hmmm, so does this mean if you fly to one of these airports with a CFI not based at said airport, the CFI is violating these rules?

It is not a rule. It is a contract agreement between the airport and FBO/ Flight school. It means the CFI and the aircraft owner are in plain view of their activity and the FBO can deny access to the CFI because they rent the ramp and they can decide who has access to it. In some cases the aircraft owner is renting a hangar from the FBO.

 

[Martin Pauly]

Having been that independent CFI, this issue takes on a different flavor at an FBO on a Class D or C airport where gate access to the hangars and ramp is controlled by the FBO.

True, but my students already have access to their hangars, right? This may involve walking through the FBO, but more commonly they have a badge for ramp access. I don't see what difference it makes to the FBO whether these students escort me to their hangar as a passenger or a flight instructor.

A different scenario is when we (student and CFI) use the FBO amenities for briefing and ground instruction. I can see how the FBO would be entitled to some compensation. Even then, fortunately often enough the FBOs recognize those student as a regular customers (fuel, maintenance, pilot supplies, etc.) and are happy to help.

- Martin