Floyd Graham of the Smiths
Falls Flying Club (SFFC) has advised COPA that the club has recently installed a
self-serve fuelling system for 100LL at the Smiths Falls Airport (CYSH).
Floyd Graham of the Smiths
Falls Flying Club (SFFC) has advised COPA that the club has recently installed a
self-serve fuelling system for 100LL at the Smiths Falls Airport (CYSH).
Most of the installation work was done by club members and spouses with help
from the local municipalities.
Currently the machine can handle Visa and MasterCard and they are planning to add American Express in the future, if demand warrants.
To obtain fuel a visiting pilot need only “swipe” their credit card and then
fill their aircraft tanks. After hanging up the pump the machine dispenses a
receipt.
Fuel is now available 24 hours a day, even when the airport is unattended. As a
bonus the current fuel price at time of writing (Oct. 13, 2004) was $1.04 per
litre for 100LL – well below the price at other airports in the area.
COPA strongly encouraged the SFFC to install this system – self-serve systems
have proven their value at other airports in
Canada,
reducing manpower overhead costs and eliminating callout charges.
Self-serve pumps can greatly increase fuel sales since pilots will know they can
get gas 24 hours a day. This means the system can pay for itself quickly and
soon produces a good revenue stream for the operator.
COPA would like to see these systems installed at all airports in Canada. It
will benefit both the airport operator and pilots.