Airport Board Chairman Says Issue Not "Adversarial"

Pilot Rob Hillerich proposed a self-serve fueling option last fall to officials at the Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) and was promptly denied --which, he says, means the airport doesn't support the "piston pilot community." The action prompted him to file a complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Hillerich wanted to lease space at the airport for underground tanks and equipment to provide 100LL aviation gasoline and Jet-A in a self-serve format. He maintains his plan would offer savings of about $1 per gallon.

The pilot also operates a wholesale automotive parts business and a gas station in Glenview, IL. He said the savings would come from lower overhead because a truck and operator wouldn't be needed.

"I've made it clear to the airport that I'm trying to help," said Hillerich.

PWK airport board Chairman Kevin Dohm said the request was denied because of FAA standards that say only fixed-based operators or those with a business at the airport can provide a self-fueling option, according to the Chicago Tribune.

"To me, it's not an adversarial situation," Dohm said. "The FAA might come back and recommend we change the minimum standards, or they might tell Mr. Hillerich that to meet minimum standards, he needs to be a fixed-base operator."

Some of the corporate aircraft operators at PWK have a self-fueling option available for their aircraft, but pilots of piston-powered aircraft must depend on fuel delivery trucks.

Airport manager Dennis Rouleau told the Tribune the issue was really a question of fairness to current fuel providers and the millions of dollars they have spent on facilities and equipment.

"It's easy to have someone sell fuel, but we want them to offer other services and facilities," he said.

FAA spokesman Tony Molinaro said the agency is deciding if the complaint has merit and may possibly launch a formal investigation.

FMI: www.palwaukee.org, www.faa.gov