AvFlight Harrisburg: More Than Just Fuel

When asked by the manager, Carl Adkins, of the fixed based operator (FBO) at MDT what locals first thought was when they heard "AvFlight" the overwhelming response was "airport gas station."  Little do many folks know that AvFlight is a full service operation.  Sure an airline, private or corporate pilot and the like can fuel up their aircraft, but they can also rent hangar space, have an aircraft washed and its interior cleaned (including dishes/linens cleaned and lav services), request de-icing and overnight parking, use the mechanical and maintenance services,  and make charter flight arrangements.  And, to sweeten the deal Avflight provides concierge services.  That's right you can request a catered meal, a hotel night and a car rental and the AvFlight staff will see to it that the requests are fulfilled by the time you arrive!

A staff of 26 trained and competent personnel keep the ramp and operations running at the FBO 24 hours a day.  It is not uncommon to have someone running a fuel truck to an airliner arriving at MDT while another staffer is directing a private aircraft to park on the FBO's ramp.  Carl is proud of the team he's assembled to run the operations at AvFlight.  He is dedicated to their training, development and expertise as a team.  The staff is continuously trained in the latest in aircraft and computer tecnologies to assure that AvFlight keeps current on pilot and airline needs.

The FBO needs to run a tightly monitored operation to insure the safety of pilots, travelers and personnel.  AvFlight is subject to as many as 20 safety audits each year.  Carl and the team pride themselves in performing well on each of these audits and being part of an excellent network of FBOs.  AvFlight Harrisburg is one of six locations in the country.  There are four AvFlight locations in Michigan and one in Durango, Colorado.  All of these FBO locations specialize in the fueling and ground handling of both private and commercial aircraft.  However, the operations of AvFlight Harrisburg also includes cargo and military aircraft as well. 

Between the fuel trucks and fuel storage tanks employed by AvFlight Harrisburg at MDT, the FBO has approximately 140,000 gallons of fuel available.  That's a lot of aircraft that can be fueled!  If a fuel load needs to be ordered its quickly available from fuel storage in the Philadelphia and New Jersey areas.  AvFlight Harrisburg is investigating the option of adding another 40,000 gallons of fuel storage.  Carl explained that, "AvFlight is always preparing for "what if" situations and adding more fuel storage would help the FBO to be better prepared if there were ever a crisis situation at MDT."

 

Non-commercial pilots visiting AvFlight will hopefully not leave feeling unprepared.  The FBO offers a full complement of pilot services:  refreshments and snacks, rest lounge with tv, flight planning services, weather briefing programs, phones and wifi, a loaner vehicle (if needed), and help filliny any other need the pilot may have.  Carl and his reliable team are up for any challenge at AvFlight Harrisburg, no need is too great or too small.  

Have you visited the FBO at MDT during a private flight?  Did you know what an FBO was prior to reading this post?

How to Rebook Your Flight

In the summer months when severe weather (thunder storms, hail, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc) is rampant, the likelihood that your flight is delayed and/or canceled, unfortunately increases.  So in our pursuit to keep you "in the know," we went in search of some of the best flight rebooking tips we could find.  Our search landed us on this insightful "how to" article from Frommer's and from it we extrapolated the following section on how to expediently rebook your canceled flight. 

Airlines will always recommend calling their toll-free reservations number, even if wait times can be excruciatingly long and their systems risk shutting down under high call volumes. If this is the case, the best way to go is the airline's website, according to Kate Hanni, executive director of the consumer protection organization FlyersRights.org.  "You can see if you've been automatically rebooked (now a standard practice), reschedule a flight, or cancel your reservation altogether," Hanni says.

If you want face-to-face customer service, the gate or ticket agent is the traditional option. "It's a good idea to become your own information pub, says Rick Seaney, CEO of FareCompare.com.  "Sometimes the airline personnel don't know any more than you do. Get on your smartphones, laptops, or iPads, and look at airport status updates, weather reports, and flight schedules. If you help them help you, then you can get through the line faster."

A good resource for those without Internet at their fingertips is the FlyersRights.org hotline (tel. 877/359-3776). Phone operators offer travel advice in all forms: they'll look up flight availability, interpret contracts of carriage, and locate ground transportation.

Other wait-reducing tips: "Make a beeline for airport club lounges -- they have dedicated ticket agents, usually two of them," suggests travel guru and million-mile flier John DiScala of JohnnyJet.com.  Elite-status fliers can call the priority number on the back of their membership card.

Travel agents -- many with 24-hour concierge lines -- can also ease the hassle of rebooking, though not without a fee. "Agents have all the same flight information as the carriers but no line of frustrated passengers," says Jacque Salentine Busby, president of the Milwaukee-based Luxe Travel Deals. "Plus we can more readily rebook you on another carrier if necessary."

Which airlines have you had the best success in rebooking flights quickly?  What tips can you offer for rebooking that aren't addressed in this post?

Smart Summer Travel Tips

This time of year is known for abundant sunshine, high temperatures and depending on where you are, very dry or very humid days. We've put together recommendations for your consideration for when you're throwing things into your suitcase, when you're on the plane, or at your sunny final destination!

Pack light: If you're heading to a sunny destination, be sure to pack clothing that is light colored and light weight. Darker colors attract more of the suns rays and heavier materials will keep your body heat trapped in longer. So avoid the these types of clothing if you can!

Defend your skin: Don't hesitate to bring your sun screen and remember to apply, apply, and reapply. Even if a sunscreen self-advertises as waterproof, it will eventually wear off after multiple dips in the ocean or pool, and you can sweat it off too! It's better to safe than sorry, so keep your dermis safe and sunburn-free.

Protect your eyes: Sunglasses or a hat with a brim are both great ways to keep the sun out of your eyes. The added benefit of a brimmed hat? An additional way, in combination with sunscreen, to keep the sun off your face!

Drink up: Keep yourself hydrated! Water is a good option, but if you're sweating profusely you may wish to consider options that are rich in electrolytes to replenish the sodium and potassium your body's lost. Sport drinks, like Gatorade or Powerade, are a good option for electrolyte replenishment.

Respect your limits: Yes, you want to see everything that you possibly can when traveling, but your body will tire out quicker in the heat. If you're feeling sluggish, flushed, or warmer than usual, take a break, find some shade or a cool indoor environment, and hydrate!

Keep kiddies cool: All of the aforementioned tips apply to the littlest of travelers also!

Mind Fido too: Don't forget that heat is hard on animals. If you're traveling with a pet, keep it hydrated and don't work/play/run it too hard. Dark-coated animals mind the heat more as their fur will absorb more of the suns rays.

Do you have tips to add that we've missed? Do you have recommendations for those traveling with small children and/or pets that you've found to make the trip more tolerable?

Airport Life: Flight Attendant

This post is a continuation of Harrisburg International Airport's mini-series in blogging: Airport Life. This series explores the airport community from business and leisure travelers to airport staff.




With a rich history in the sky, American Airlines flight attendant AJ Hinton has seen a lot in her 39 years of service. From changing standards in the airline industry to an interesting list of passengers, this veteran is full of fascinating non-fiction from the fuselage.

Serving many different locations both domestically and internationally with American Airlines, AJ has seen the best of times and the worst of times. Working with in “the good ol’ USA” American Airlines had AJ based in many different locations across the states including her hometown of Chicago, San Diego, Los Angeles, Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina, and Dallas on three separate occasions. While working these flights suited her best, internationally she also worked the glamorous circuit to Paris, France exclusively from 1988 through 1995. With stricter security measures in locations like Mexico and the United Kingdom making her job a little tougher, she describes Carracus, Venezuela as her least favorite (not to mention scary) destination.

Even though AJ has never served out of Harrisburg International Airport as it is served by American Eagle, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines, she describes our venue as a “first class airport.” The music played throughout the airport is arguably her favorite part, as many other airports internationally can not help sooth the “traveling blues” that she sees so often in passengers without it.

And speaking of music, AJ describes her “golden years” as the time she served out of Los Angeles, California’s LAX in the 70’s where she encountered a lot of talent like singer/songwriters Willy Nelson and Neil Diamond, who even invited her to their concerts.


Especially memorable on these flights are the numerous celebrity encounters on cross-country flights from LA to New York City. Getting to meet many customers from “the Business,” she has a special collection of autographs that she’s collected for loved ones. She obtained comedian Richard Pryor’s, who she describes as a sweet, friendly, and funny man, for her husband. Another gift for her husband, she was able get a hold of a flight passenger list containing Dudley Moore’s name which she gave him as a birthday present.

Above all other celebrities, however, nothing tops her two encounters with an ex-governor of California. On a trip from Washington Dulles to Chicago, the entire first class cabin in a 707 plane was reserved specifically for presidential candidate Ronald Reagan. Complete with bodyguards from the CIA, the then presidential candidate could be depicted as a very pensive man who was always deep in thought with a pen in hand. AJ, however, was very impressed by the fact that whenever she interacted with him he gave her complete, undivided attention, even dropping his pen for full consideration.

While AJ has had many celebrity encounters of her own, she is not the only one in her family who worked with some of Hollywood’s elite. While living in California, her husband of 34 years, served as a limousine driver to the stars. Their slogan, “I fly ‘em, you drive ‘em” became the family joke as the number of these interactions grew.


Usually flying to New York’s JFK and Dallas/Fort Worth’s DFW during this time in her career as a flight attendant, AJ never experienced a dull moment. Seeing the good, the bad, and everything in between on these flights, the interactions with her fellow flight crew members are something she also holds dear. Even when flying in larger planes like the 747, where the crew was challenged with serving 300 hot meals and uncorking 50 liters of wine, the patients, skill, and teamwork displayed through her fellow flight attendants is something she cherishes.


Seeing a lot of changes in industry standards during her time, AJ’s experiences are a testament to the shift of airline culture. In the early 1970’s the skies seemed to be a friendlier place, with well-dressed and well-mannered customers, as well as less threatening situations in the sky. But even though these conditions have transformed, AJ loves the challenge of the job, the people she works with and serves, the new places she can go, and the exhilarating feeling of being up in the air just the same.

With a proven history as a flight attendant, AJ’s commitment to American Airlines is just as strong as American Eagle’s commitment to the south central Pennsylvania region. With non-stop flights to Harrisburg International Airport’s number one business destination, Chicago O’Hare, American Eagle’s hard work in our area parallels that of AJ’s and all other flight attendants that work with American Airlines across the country and internationally.

Airport Life: Family Experiences

This post is a continuation of Harrisburg International Airport's mini-series in blogging: Airport Life. This series explores the airport community from business and leisure travelers to airport staff.


Saying goodbye is often the hardest part about a trip to the airport. For Bill Leachman of Adams County, Pa., this became all too real as he and his three-year-old son William as they arrived at Harrisburg International Airport on April 1, 2011. An emotional occasion, Bill’s wife Tracie is a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Heading down to Fort Gordon, Ga., Tracie and her family will be separated for five months, while she is participating in military operations.

William Leachman and his wife Tracie, of the PA National Gaurd

Upon arrival at Harrisburg International Airport, the family prepared to say goodbye just outside of security. As they reached the ticket counter, however, the family was met with a surprise that Bill interpreted as an April Fool’s Day joke. Seeing that Tracie is a part of the military, the Delta Air Lines service representative asked Bill if he would like to see his wife off at the Delta gate instead of pre-security, a privilege that most airlines offer to military personnel and their families.


Elated by the news, Bill and his son William were able to with Tracie before boarding the plane to her connection in Atlanta. With an unusually cold April day, Tracie’s flight was delayed for deicing. What could come as a frustration delay to some, turned out to be a nice treat for the family as they got to steal a little bit more time together.
With daughters Katrina and Trinity at home, Bill and William were able to return home with a meaningful memory to help the family cope with the distance: something that “meant the world” to Bill.


As a self-proclaimed fan of the customer-service-oriented HIA experience, Bill (@help_nonprofits) and his three children gave us a chance to get to know his family a little better by attending our SpringUp tweet up at MDT on April 9. Flying wooden airplanes while waiting for real airplanes to take off and land on the observation deck, the passion that Bill and his family hold for people, for flying, and for family shined through.

Two of Bill's children playing with wooden airplanes at MDT!

In the coming months we wish Bill, his wife Tracie, and their three wonderful children the best of luck during a difficult time. And above all we look forward to Tracie’s return to the south central Pennsylvania region.

Tweeting up with fellow #avgeeks - #MDT324

Over the past few months, those of you following the MDT's Twitter stream may have seen the hashtag #MDT324 in use. What appears to be a nonsensical collection of letters and numbers actually represented an event planned to bring several of our more active twitter followers to MDT for an opportunity to meet one another in person. In total 5 "tweeps" flew or drove in from across the country for an evening "tweetup" with the airport tweeter. Each tweep has graciously agreed to share their experience in a wrap up blog series.


Amanda's post is the final of the wrap up series on #MDT324. Maybe we'll be seeing you at the 2012 event!

To be honest, before #MDT324, I thought Twitter was pretty stupid. I only started to tweet because my "cool travel friends" were doing it. I jokingly told Stephanie that MDT should host a behind-the-scenes-tour of the airport, and she tweeted back, asking if I would fly to MDT. I said "sure, why not,?" but I didn't expect it to actually happen!

Imagine my surprise when suddenly we had an event date. And then there was a list of people, like myself, who were going to fly across the country to see the inner-workings of an amazing airport? Suddenly Twitter wasn't so stupid, it was something that was connecting me to fellow aviation geeks!

I flew into the airport early to get a sense of the place. I checked myself into the airport-managed Susquehanna Club, which is a great place for frequent travelers such as myself to kick back and relax before a flight. I also grabbed some lunch at Subway. I was impressed with the dining choices at MDT, certainly a lot more than at my home airport of Omaha. Also, everyone at MDT was genuinely friendly. Flying as much as I do- you really notice when airport staff goes above and beyond. I'm happy to say everyone I met at MDT was friendly!

Finally, the moment arrived when the "tweeps" would actually "tweetup." I didn't really know what to expect, but, as soon as I met everyone, I knew we were kindred spirits. As we explored the airport together, seeing places that I have only dreamed of seeing in the past (hello, baggage handling system!), I suddenly realized that Twitter wasn't so dumb.

I want to thank Stephanie for the amazing and informational tour, and to my fellow "tweeps for life"- Chris, Laura, Mike, Julie and Hans. If nothing else, you guys will always be my twitter friends, right?..

My Trip to Harrisburg International Airport: #MDT324

Over the past few months, those of you following the MDT's Twitter stream may have seen the hashtag #MDT324 in use. What appears to be a nonsensical collection of letters and numbers actually represented an event planned to bring several of our more active twitter followers to MDT for an opportunity to meet one another in person. In total 5 "tweeps" flew or drove in from across the country for an evening "tweetup" with the airport tweeter. Each tweep has graciously agreed to share their experience in a wrap up blog series.

Julie Vessigault's post is the fourth of the wrap up series on #MDT324.  Maybe we'll be seeing you at the 2012 event!

I live in Sacramento, California. Harrisburg International Airport's March 24th tweet-up was right on my way, on my upcoming trip to Lakeland, Florida- that is, timing-wise. I needed a good road trip. Greyhound dropped me off in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in the morning. I simply walked down to the corner of Market Street where I caught city bus route #7 to the airport. In fifteen minutes, the driver dropped me off on the airport side of the street and pointed out a tunnel and stairway that led to the road to the airport. (While some city bus route 7s deliver you to the front door, some route 7s do not). The walk from the tunnel wasn't bad at all- about 15 minutes to the terminal door. (I was tugging a roll-aboard.)

As a pedestrian approaching the terminal a less standard way, I entered the closest doorway which put me in the baggage claim area. The cleanliness and design of the terminal impressed me, and the Welcome to Harrisburg International Airport sign greeted me as I continued toward my destination.

My destination was the Observation Area on the third floor, accessible to the public. I have to hand it to the folks at MDT, that was a great move for a modern airport terminal, and kudos to the architect who designed it so well. I enjoyed a close up view of airline operations, a C-130 and 727 performing touch 'n goes, and general aviation operations out of AvFlight with the Susquehanna River in the background...

...Which explains the "Old terminal", now vacated. As I walked the perimeter fence of the airport to check out the General Aviation FBO, Avflight, I passed the "Old Terminal". Its architecture caught my eye. From my point of view, it looked like it was designed to look like a ship on the shore of the Susquehanna River. A surreal feeling swept over me as I pondered the decades of memories and history associated with the building. I was grateful to see it. I offered a moment of silence as I imagined what its glory days may have been like.

I took a few minutes to compare the old on my right and the new on my left and felt a feeling of satisfaction that the splendor of the new building complimented and honored the legacy of the old.

With this new perspective in mind, I returned to the new terminal and proceeded to explore its first and second floors. As I walked into the Varsity Grill I instantly noted and seriously appreciated that I COULD SEE THROUGH WALLS!!! Not literally of course- where there would normally be a solid wall between the public area of the terminal and the gate area of the terminal, the whole wall was a window. Not only could I enjoy the view of the gate area, the wall between the gate area and the aircraft on the tarmac was also a window. I could see all the way to the runway! Stephanie Gehman later explained to me this was done to maximize the natural light.

Once all of the #MDT324 tweet-up participants arrived, and we received our special event T-shirts, Stephanie escorted us to the basement where we were introduced to the baggage handling system. It was fascinating to learn how this machine was able to sort through the baggage and convey it to the right waiting aircraft.

Stephanie then took us out the the aircraft ramp where we met with ramp workers and observed first hand airport operations on the ramp. We also were able to observe an incoming flight land on the runway.

Thanks to our hosts for their hospitality, the delicious dinner and pleasant company at Bricco in downtown Harrisburg.

Airport Life: Business Travel

This post is a continuation of Harrisburg International Airport's mini-series in blogging: Airport Life. This series explores the airport community from business and leisure travelers to airport staff.

Aside from those who physically work at an airport, business travelers spend much of their time frequenting the sky and the gateways that lead to it. This week we caught up with Bill Forster the executive vice president of Maine Pointe, LLC and Gary Bupp a national instructor for Tyco Electronics.

With frequent flyer miles being the common thread that weaves these two businessmen together, both Forster and Bupp spend a considerable amount of time away from home. For example, every Sunday Forster leaves his home in south central Pennsylvania. Traveling throughout the week to many different locations across the U.S., he doesn’t return until Friday night to spend the weekends with his family. A military man, serving in the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Air Force Reserves, Forster has spent much of his time in and out of airports.

After serving in the armed services, Forster became a field consultant for Chick-fil-A, opening several hundred stores in malls across America. In fact, to-date Forster has traveled globally for various jobs since 1982. Currently Forster works as the executive vice president of Maine Pointe, a position he has held for the last six and a half years.

Leaving home just a little less than Forster, Bupp usually travels for two weeks every month, where he is gone for three to four days at a time. Roving internationally with a focus on the United States and Canada, Bupp has worked as a national trainer with Tyco Electronics for 27 years. In this hands-on role, Bupp is able to work with a network of employees worldwide on emerging technologies.

While both find life as a regular traveler trying at times with various weather and general delays rampant and missed time with family, both Forster and Bupp admit that they still enjoy traveling. Some of Bupp’s favorite locations include California, Colorado, Canada, and Florida,where he is able to spend time with his son. And while it may seem with the amount of time spent traveling that these men must have visited the entire globe, there are places they still need to cross off their maps. For instance, Forster has traveled to every state except Hawaii.

Both living in the south central Pennsylvania region, Forster and Bupp have racked up enough frequent flyer miles to land themselves in the Susquehanna Club before they leave for their destinations. Visiting various reward lounges like Delta, U.S. Air, and United Airlines, they both agree that Harrisburg International Airport’s customer-based club is a nice, quiet substitute to airline-exclusive clubs.

The Susquehanna Club

While life up in the air can often be tiresome, both businessmen take pride in the services they are able to offer. While Forster jokingly described traveling as an “evil means to an end,” both Forster and Bupp assert it is the new people and new experiences that always keep airport life enjoyable.

I’m an HIA #Superfan for life! - #MDT324

Over the past few months, those of you following the MDT's Twitter stream may have seen the hashtag #MDT324 in use. What appears to be a nonsensical collection of letters and numbers actually represented an event planned to bring several of our more active twitter followers to MDT for an opportunity to meet one another in person. In total 5 "tweeps" flew or drove in from across the country for an evening "tweetup" with the airport tweeter. Each tweep has graciously agreed to share their experience in a wrap up blog series.



Chris Stotz's post is the third of the wrap up series on #MDT324. Maybe we'll be seeing you at the 2012 event!

Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) is my hometown airport. I was born and raised in central Pennsylvania, graduated from Penn State in 1998, and lived in Harrisburg until I moved to Fort Lauderdale in late 2002. I remember the original Harrisburg Airport, the newer terminal in the 1980s, and I’m thrilled with the new facility. Until I moved out of the area in 2002, I was flying in and out of HIA all the time. I think the progress of HIA over the years, and what it has become today, really reflects how special and unique central Pennsylvania is. I’m so proud of what HIA has become, and it was exciting to be a part of a special event showing off HIA known by Twitter followers as #MDT324.

#MDT324 was a gathering of HIA Twitter followers from all over the United States. Stephanie Gehman, Marketing Manager for HIA, has developed an impressive online presence for the airport on websites like Facebook and Twitter. She coordinated the event with the HIA fans, and provided a special “VIP” behind-the-scenes tour of the airport. For me, it was a very special event because this state-of-the-art airport, with bright and shiny concourses, busy gates, and great vendors like Starbucks and Subway, is the kind of airport I’ve always imagined for Harrisburg and the surrounding area. It’s nice when you can return to the place you grew up and lived as a younger adult and see things going well, especially in this current economic climate. It was a great feeling to see people from around the country be impressed with what I think is the perfect airport.

In the last few years I’ve been especially lucky to be able to enjoy direct, nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and Harrisburg on AirTran Airways. This makes it very easy and affordable to fly home and visit family and friends, with a flight time of about two hours. Lucky for me, there are many options and carriers going in and out of HIA, so getting home to central Pennsylvania will never be difficult no matter where I am. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again…there’s no place like home!

I really am proud to call HIA my hometown airport, and appreciate the opportunity to connect with HIA on Facebook and Twitter and make lasting friendships with other fans of what has become an airport that many cities would envy. Thank you to everyone involved with the #MDT324 event, and the friendly and hard working staff at HIA, especially Stephanie, for making this fly-in possible, and making HIA a pleasant and “hip” airport!

Confessions of an Outsider: #MDT324

Over the past few months, those of you following the MDT's Twitter stream may have seen the hashtag #MDT324 in use. What appears to be a nonsensical collection of letters and numbers actually represented an event planned to bring several of our more active twitter followers to MDT for an opportunity to meet one another in person. In total 5 "tweeps" flew or drove in from across the country for an evening "tweetup" with the airport tweeter. Each tweep has graciously agreed to share their experience in a wrap up blog series.

Laura Morgan's post is the second of the wrap up series on #MDT324.  Maybe we'll be seeing you at the 2012 event!

By day I’m a copyeditor, living in the world of books. By night, well, if you know me on Twitter, you know I’m a wife (@heyhusband). And if you know my husband, @Mike_J_Morgan, you know he likes planes. A lot. As we drive down I-35, our conversation frequently comes to an abrupt Mike-just-saw-an-airplane stop. And then, quick! Opentheglovebox! He’s got to get out his ATC receiver to listen to the pilots of aforementioned celestial metal beast.


It’s obvious why Mike went to #MDT324, but why me? I can’t tell you the difference between a 737 and a 747, nor do I really care as long, as they get me where I’m going as quickly as possible. I guess I went to the Tweetup because I wanted to meet these other humans who have weird obsessions with aviation.

I could tell you about the airport, and I would have good things to say (it’s got a great atmosphere and awesome rocking chairs), but I’m no expert on the technical side. There was a runway, some gates, and a nifty massage nook. It was an airport; it was what I expected.

Sort of.

Harrisburg International has a pulse, a heart. As Stephanie, a vital member of a team that gives MDT this life, guided us through the bowels and out on to the extremities, we encountered other people who were excited about their work and were glad to see that we were touring their domain. We immediately could tell that everyone who works at MDT is dedicated because even the places the majority of patrons never see were immaculate.

And then there were the Tweeps. Those humans with weird obsessions. Those people with passion. My new friends who also happen to like airplanes and MDT. I still don’t understand why they like planes so much, but I know exactly why they like flying in and out of MDT. I also know they’re people just like me who are dedicated to planes and terminals in much the same way I’m dedicated to hardbacks and libraries. We had a wonderful evening getting to know one another, and I’m heartily looking forward to our next Tweetup.