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Sometimes Saving Bucks on Fuel Is False Economy

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Key Takeaways:

  • While tracking fuel prices can save money on long aviation trips, the overall value of an FBO stop extends beyond the cost per gallon.
  • FBO fuel prices often include hidden costs like hefty airport flowage fees, making it difficult to discern pure profit margins.
  • Prioritizing the lowest fuel price might cause pilots to miss out on valuable services, memorable interactions, or unique local experiences offered by slightly more expensive FBOs.
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My wife, Leslie, sometimes teases me for remembering where all the cheapest gas stations are around our home town. I catch myself saying, “You paid 12 cents more per gallon where you went! Why, for 11 gallons that’s…”

That’s when I shut up.

Mark Phelps

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.

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