“I have so many stories of flying youngsters through the skies and seeing their faces light up with excitement and joy,” Meadows said. “From allowing youth to sit in the pilot’s seat to helping them taxi to the runway, flying with these kids is always an adventure.”

A retired Naval Air Crewman, Tom was the Young Eagles Coordinator for EAA Chapter 1073 for nearly five years. During those years, his EAA chapter held rallies in the Truckee region at different airports in smaller communities without chapters, to introduce their youth to aviation by giving them free airplane rides.

Meadows has flown to more distant cities to help their chapters hold rallies. His wife, Lynn, a private pilot, gets to fly to and from the rallies, and serves as a ground volunteer while he flies kids. “It is important to us that we make aviation instruction as accessible to young people as possible, so flying from airport to airport is exciting for us.”

Tom and Lynn both received their pilot licenses in 1978, however Tom’s passion was ignited at a young age, as he would sometimes accompany his father to work at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

“My dad would drop me off at the Air Force Museum on the base, and no matter how many times I walked through that museum I never grew tired of it,” Tom said. “Later in life, my dad told me that when I was two years old, he had put me on his lap and gave me my first airplane ride.”

Tom holds several other licenses including his Instrument, Commercial, CFI and MEL certificates. While he stepped down as a Young Eagle coordinator in 2020, Tom and Lynn still serve as ground and flight volunteers at rallies near and far.”

“We have flown our Cessna 172 Sky Hawk to Ohio five times to attend my high school reunions, and we stop to visit friends and family members. If any of our hosts have age-eligible kids, I take them flying as Young Eagles,” Tom said. “We are always looking for new families to share our spirit of aviation.”

In the fall, Tom plans to fly his 2,000^th Young Eagle mission. By then he will have donated 1,500 flight hours of their Cessna 172, along with countless hours of volunteering on the ground.

“I am always mining for more Young Eagles. You never know when you are going to find a gem,” Tom said. “The future of aviation is in the hands of these kids, and I am proud to be a part of their journey.”

To learn more about the EAA Young Eagles program, visit eaa.org.

To learn more about how Phillips 66 supports the Young Eagles program, visit Phillips66Aviation.com.

The post Tom Meadows Recognized with 2023 <span class="nowrap">Phillips 66</span>® Aviation’s EAA Young Eagles Leadership Award appeared first on Phillips 66.

Since the company’s inception, Arrow Energy has been a Phillips 66 marketer which Faiman says is critical to the Arrow Energy business and name.

“Phillips 66 is a premium, international brand which helps set us apart from other third-party fuel providers,” Faiman said. “Other refiners do not have the marketing that Phillips 66 does, so it was an easy decision when we started Arrow Energy nearly 35 years ago, and we haven’t looked back since.”

Faiman’s head of sales, Tom Buhr, is also part of Arrow Energy’s relationship with the fuel provider. He leads the strategy behind marketing Phillips 66 fuel to its 60 dealers from the Great Lakes region all the way down to Texas.

“We have the power of the Phillips 66 brand behind us while boasting the personal, individualized service and care we provide to our customers,” Buhr said. “Our FBOs get the best of both worlds at Arrow Energy.”

Buhr, who celebrated 30 years with Arrow Energy last September, originally planned to be a pilot, receiving his pilot’s license in 1986. His professional plans took a turn while working at Million Air in Cincinnati; he realized he enjoyed ground support more than flying and worked his way up to management. It was at Million Air he met Faiman and then left the FBO in 1992 to work at Arrow Energy.

“I manage Arrow’s relationship with Phillips 66, and over the years have assumed a more public role by representing Arrow at conferences and other events,” Buhr said. “Craig makes everything happen behind the scenes, and along with our entire team, we run a personable yet efficient business.”

Faiman’s son, Nathan, also works at Arrow Energy, serving as company VP. Originally a finance and accounting professional, Nathan switched his career path and entered the family business four years ago and today focuses on all business operations and managing the office of seven employees.

“We are a small team, but it works to our advantage as we offer a personalized approach,” Nathan said. “From ordering to invoicing, we adapt quickly to the industry market while able to have individualized conversations with our customers, all who know everyone in our office by name.”

Buhr emphasized Nathan’s sentiments that Arrow Energy doesn’t flaunt the phrase “good customer service,” but lives it every day through each interaction with their customers.

“The term ‘customer service’ can be thrown around easily, but at Arrow Energy, our staff is incredibly flexible and truly meets the needs of our customers,” Buhr said. “If you’re in need of an emergency delivery or borrowed fuel truck, we make it happen.”

As a Phillips 66 marketer, Arrow Energy also offers its FBOs several Phillips 66 programs and perks, from Contract Fuel and quality assurance to credit card rewards and processing.

“This is just another example of how Phillips 66 has helped power our brand, and vice versa,” Buhr said. “We have built and continue to build our business by working alongside a globally trusted brand while simultaneously being a small, family-owned company that offers a personal and friendly experience.”

The post Arrow Energy Boasts Powerful Dynamic as a <span class="nowrap">Phillips 66</span> Aviation Fuel Marketer appeared first on Phillips 66.

“While my expertise is in environmentalism, I always had an affinity for aviation and was fortunate enough to have traveled internationally while I was young,” Karberg said. “It’s amazing to look back and see how a completely different line of work introduced me to a new industry, one that I have grown to love.”

An airport owned and operated FBO, Nantucket Memorial began operations in the 1930s when a farmer plowed over his fields to make way for a runway, hoping to allow more vacationers access to the island during the season. During WWII, the FBO was temporarily operated by the Navy who constructed bunkers that are still present on the property. Today, the FBO’s function is crucial to the day-to-day operations of the 105-square-mile island off the coast of Cape Cod.

“We call it ‘The Island Factor’ which means our unique geographical situation impacts everything we do here,” Karberg said. “Our island is a town and a county, and our staff members have many other career roles on the island in addition to what they do at Nantucket Memorial Airport.”

Karberg’s staff totals 35, with 22 working directly with the FBO—all of whom are locals who live on the Island year-round.

“We even get asked about the FBO while at the grocery store,” Karberg said. “We can have these casual, light conversations anywhere at any time because of our knowledgeable and friendly staff who are fully immersed into the development of our community.”

While the staff is critical to a well-run island, so is Phillips 66 Aviation, who continues to help the FBO run smoothly. In one instance, the FBO’s fuel farm was once missing parts during the Fourth of July season and the Phillips 66 team flew in the needed parts just in time for the holiday rush.

“We receive outstanding support from the Phillips 66 team, with discounts, training programs and other available services,” Karberg said. “Nantucket can feel like it is more than just 30 miles off the coast, and with an internationally known fuel provider like Phillips 66, we show our customers that we remain prominent and relevant.”

Unsurprisingly, Nantucket Memorial’s largest customer base is leisure travelers, as the island’s immaculate landscape and glamourous atmosphere draws vacationers and tourists every year.

“We are both a scenic and historic destination, drawing thousands of leisure and high-end luxury travelers every year,” Karberg said. “That frequency has increased in recent years as the typically 3-month season has nearly doubled, as more families are looking to enjoy the island longer during the spring and fall.”

Nantucket Memorial also welcomes many tradespeople and medical professionals, easily transporting groups onto the island. In addition to construction and other trade projects, the FBO partners with UPS for its air carrier services.

With his background in environmental sciences, Karberg takes a special interest in sustainability, especially when it comes to how water and energy are used at the FBO.

“We are directly adjacent to the Atlantic, so we have seen the effects of sea level rise and understand the dire need for quality water,” Karberg said. “Recently we built 10,000 feet of a new water main to ensure we are keeping our water clean.”

Karberg and his team are also considering electric aircraft, as several groups travel to and from the island mainland for medical equipment.

“We currently are undergoing internal planning discussions surrounding infrastructure and how to support charging these aircrafts,” Karberg said.

From its large leisure travel customer base to its sustainability projects, location is what makes Nantucket Memorial Airport stand out amongst the rest. As part of an owned and operated island airport, community comes first for the FBO and how it can aid the area’s ongoing growth and development.

The post Nantucket Memorial Airport’s “Island Factor” Promotes Strong Relationship between FBO and Community appeared first on Phillips 66.

HOUSTON (May 17, 2023) – Phillips 66^® Aviation is proud to recognize the top-rated FBOs in the Americas, according to the 2023 Aviation International News (AIN) FBO Survey.

A total of 24 Phillips 66 branded FBOs were among the coveted list of top operations; 11 were listed in the top 20% nationally. For the sixth year in a row, Henriksen Jet Center at Austin Executive and Jet Aviation at Palm Beach International took home the highest honors, being ranked in the top 5%, along with Business Jet Center at Dallas Love Field and Henriksen Jet Center at Houston Executive.

“It is an honor to work alongside these exceptional FBOs who year after year, receive best-in-service accolades for their efforts,” said Sunny Lopez, Manager, Aviation, Phillips 66. “On behalf of the entire Phillips 66 Aviation team, we congratulate all FBOs who were named to AIN’s survey ranking and look forward to their continued success.”

In addition to the FBOs listed above, the following Phillips 66 branded dealers were ranked as a top operation in their regions:

• Rocky Mountain: Cutter Aviation at Albuquerque International Sunport (KABQ), Cutter Aviation at Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Sky Harbor International (KDVT and KPHX), Cutter Aviation at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (KCOS), Glacier Jet Center at Glacier Park International Airport (KGPI) and Jet Aviation at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (KBZN)
• Southeast: Hill Aircraft at Fulton County Airport-Brown Field (KFTY), Fontainebleau Aviation at Miami-Opa Locka Executive (KOPF), and Jet Aviation at Palm Beach International (KPBI)
• South: Jet Aviation at William P. Hobby (KHOU), Flightline First at Lakefront Airport (KNEW), Henriksen Jet Center at Austin Executive (KEDC), Texas Jet at Fort Worth Meacham International (KFTW), Business Jet Center at Dallas Love Field (KDAL), and Henriksen Jet Center at Houston Executive (KTME)
• Northeast: Jet Aviation at Laurence G. Hanscom Field (KBED), Jet Aviation at Teterboro (KTEB), Million Air at Albany International (KALB), and Heritage Aviation at Burlington International (KBTV)
• Great Lakes and Midwest: Lane Aviation at John Glenn Columbus International (KCMH), Million Air at Spirit of St. Louis (KSUS), Aero Charter at Spirit of St. Louis (KSUS), Yingling Aviation at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National (KICT), Elliott Aviation at Flying Cloud Airport (KFCM) and J.A. Air Center at Aurora Municipal (KARR)

Additionally, AIN recognized FBO employees who routinely go above and beyond in customer service. Congratulations to the following individuals for their dedication and overall professional excellence while working at Phillips 66 Aviation branded FBOs.

The results are determined by AIN readers who evaluate all FBOs they have visited or experienced during the prior 12 months. FBOs are evaluated on a scale of 1-5 across five categories: line service, passenger amenities, pilot amenities, facilities and customer service representatives.

For more information about this year’s AIN FBO Survey, click here.

The post <span class="nowrap">Phillips 66</span> Branded FBOs Honored in 2023 AIN FBO Survey appeared first on Phillips 66.

“Seeing Phillips 66 branded FBOs included in the PRASE Survey is an honor for our team, as we hope to provide our FBOs with the best service so they can put their best foot forward as an operator and business,” said Sunny Lopez, Manager, Aviation at Phillips 66. “We are proud of these five FBOs and look forward to the amazing work they will continue to do throughout 2023.”

The 50^th annual survey ranked both national and international FBOs for overall excellence. Professional Pilot subscribers scored a total of 1,176 U.S. FBOs on a scale of 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) in six categories, including line team, customer service representatives, facility amenities, promptness & efficiency, and value for price. The full list of top-ranked Phillips 66 branded FBOs includes:

The Professional Pilot PRASE Survey is an annual tabulation of customer opinions of aviation ground services. Executives in charge of flight departments, aviation managers, chief pilots, CEOs, and other qualified subscribers to Professional Pilot magazine are polled once a year in order to determine the PRASE Winners’ List. Pro Pilot’s PRASE is the gold standard of aviation ground service leaders.

For more details about this year’s PRASE survey, visit www.propilotmag.com.

For more information regarding Phillips 66 Aviation fuel, services and FBO network, visit www.phillips66aviation.com.

The post <span class="nowrap">Phillips 66</span> Branded FBOs Ranked in 2023 PRASE Survey appeared first on Phillips 66.

“What truly brings me joy is working with youth and seeing the looks on their faces when they experience flying for the first time,” Ken said. “I’ve flown over 1,600 kids, some of them I know have continued with aviation and are a great success within the industry. With the Young Eagles program, it’s all about encouraging younger generations to get involved in aviation, and I get a lot of self-satisfaction doing it.”

Ken is the founding member of EAA Chapter 1632 and has been involved in Young Eagles since 2000. In addition, Ken has served as president and Young Eagles coordinator for EAA Chapter 1632 since 2019, and he was EAA Chapter’s Young Eagles coordinator from 2015 to 2020.

A resident of The Villages, Florida, Ken grew up in England and moved to the U.S. over 50 years ago. His passion for flying began in Southfield, Michigan, where he watched planes land and take off every day from his office window.
“I would see so many planes fly into Detroit Metro Airport and decided that one day, I wanted to fly,” Ken said. “So, I picked up the Yellow Pages, and the rest is history.”

After living and flying in Michigan and Pennsylvania for years, Ken retired to Florida and currently flies out of Umatilla, Florida. His local EAA chapter drives several special projects within the community, including the local high school’s aviation club where students have the opportunity to go to the airport to learn more about aviation. “I am a firm believer in giving back,” Ken said. “I think we all need to share what we have, and in my case, I’m sharing my abilities as a pilot. The aviation industry is struggling with the current pilot shortage, so encouraging youth today is more important than ever.”
Ken credits much of his success with EAA to his wife Linda who conducts all of Ken’s ground registration.”I couldn’t do it without my wife. She’s been incredibly supportive and is by my side always,” Ken said. “Both of my daughters are also pilots, one a corporate pilot, so it’s a shared family passion.”

As Chairman of the North 40 camping at AirVenture, Ken is thrilled to be returning to the Oshkosh event for the 28th year. “I love AirVenture because of the people, the friends and the variety of aircraft,” Ken said. “The event is so special because you will see things you’ll never see again.”

In addition to his involvement with Young Eagles, Ken is an instrumental volunteer for EAA, not only as the chairman of the North 40 Aircraft Registration but also as a key volunteer at Sun ‘n Fun each year at the EAA booth. Ken and Linda also built a Rans S-19, which he owns along with his Piper Lance.

To learn more about the EAA Young Eagles program, visit https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights

To learn more about how Phillips 66 supports the Young Eagles program, visit https://www.phillips66aviation.com/

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