Simplify, Integrate Billing And Record Keeping

There is a new software package coming soon for FBO managers... and FBO Revolution is promising to do just that... revolutionize the way aviation businesses utilize technology to automate their day-to-day operations. 

FBO Revolution is a complete, fully integrated software package capable of managing pilot shop inventory and sales, aircraft scheduling and dispatch, aircraft maintenance, flight training, charter services and airport security.

The Single Pilot Edition, which will be released in December of 2006, is designed for smaller FBOs requiring access at only one workstation. The Crew Edition is scheduled for release in the 1st quarter of 2007, and will support multiple workstations, and even multiple sites. Also included in the Crew Version are charter and airport security modules.

Both versions will be capable of online scheduling of aircraft and flight lessons, a valuable tool for flight schools operating on shoestring budgets that can save time and manpower when freed from scheduling duties.

The pilot shop portion of the program is capable of tracking inventory and sales, as well as aircraft rental and instruction. Credit cards can be processed online, eliminating delays associated with telephone based credit card processing.

The aircraft scheduling and management features allow the FBO to eliminate handwritten scheduling books. The software tracks scheduled maintenance, and even forecasts upcoming maintenance needs based upon usage patterns. It will not allow an aircraft that is down for maintenance to be scheduled, and eliminates scheduling conflicts by notifying the user of the need to move students and renters to alternate aircraft. It also reviews a renter’s qualifications, and will not allow scheduling to occur if the pilot needs a BFR, their medical has expired or other such problems exist. Aircraft dispatch sheets can be customized with such information as TFR’s, weather reports and lesson plans.

The flight school management feature allows for the FBO to set up a syllabus, and as the student completes a lesson, their progress is tracked in the software. It can also be used to track trends and usage of resources, and the data could be used to offer discounts on days when aircraft are being under used. Also, by tracking pilot information, the FBO can reach out to customers who have been either inactive or very active. The system is also capable of storing copies of pilot documents, such as medical and pilot certificates.

Future enhancements planned for FBO Revolution include hanger rental and tie-down fee collection support.

FMI: www.fborevolution.com