Oof! After watching your arrival I was so excited, but definitely a bummer with your FBO experience and your leaving with the bad taste.Thanks so much for sharing!
Great channel, I’ve been watching to help with future private pilot training😊 I’m 59 and excited and wondering if my best before date has expired. It’s been a dream for myself since my time in the military as an Aviation Systems Technician. Once again thanks for a great learning channel Cheers
Thanks! 59 is a great starting place. We're the Cold War Kids...Reagan Youth, Gen X. There's really no doubt that you'll be able to pull this off and have plenty of time left to enjoy it. Thanks for watching the channel and for taking the time to comment.
Would love a video on how you decided on the Honda Jet, annual running cost, Hanger fees, Mainteance, overhauls, Fuel, maybe price per hour of flight time and a bit of your background would be fascinating as well being someone who can afford one! Love the videos.
Yea that was foul of tha FBO to nt help in assisting u all. Nonetheless i'm glad you all enjoyed yourselves. I've never been to tha virgin islands before. Soon. #salute!!!!!
Are there options for FBOs in Tortola? Likely, I would have ended up in jail. The other option, designed to prevent incarceration, would be to fly into St. Thomas and then commute. Kind of defeats the purpose of owning a jet. With that in mind, I would have paid the bill, get the keys and cancel my payment the moment I get into the US. Considering that I am looking at homes on Long Bay Beach in Tortola, this is an issue that I must attack head on. What I have found in islands like St. Kitts, tip in advance five hundred dollars. Yes, your bill goes up, maybe, but at least they won't ruin your airplane. :-) And maybe prevent throwing out your back. Those folks in Tortola are British, more or less. What they did to you was a classless act unbecoming of what I have come to know as a classy island. But I'll tell you this. If I had the same experience before I invest in rental properties, second-home, etc., I will promptly move to Barbados, where such a classless act in a setting that demands class (a private jet-accepting FBO) is unheard of. God Save the Queen!
Thanks for asking. It's the Prussian Por le Merit medal. I commanded an Attack Helicopter unit in the Army called Blue Max and they'd used that Crest Fri decades. As I was the commander, my designation was "6" hence, Blue Max 6
Looked like a great trip, too bad the FBO had to make the return frustrating--you'd think they'd be a little more attentive to a prospective repeat customer
Monopolies don't have to care. If some do, that's great, but I've found it the exception. They also tend to treat their employees the worst, which trickles downhill to the customer.
@@peterc2696 I was speaking of the one island. If you want to land and park there, you must deal with that company. If they had competition, they'd have to work to gain customers.
I'm a mission advisor for a big aviation logistics company - I'm curious about the handler that was giving you all those problems? I'd like to hear the full scenario on that.
Interesting report, my first reaction was that maybe the FBO staff was waiting for you to hand out some Ben Franklin souvenirs? Never been to Tortola and not a pilot, but I've traveled a bit in the Caribbean and there seems to be a fair bit of palm greasing in the tourism industry. Are Signature facilities all company-owned and operated, or do they hand out franchises around the world like the hotel chains to anyone who pays? Still disappointing when you're wrapping up what sounds like a great vacation. Looking forward to the next leg!
@@bluemaxsix You have a good "stage' presence and personality. I'd just set the camera (horizontally) on a tripod, sit on the entry stairs of the plane, or inside it, and start your story at the beginning. I'm sure many others are curious as to your background, military stories, how you started your obviously successful business, etc. Try a dry run first and see how you feel. Take notes on what you want to talk about and try. You can always erase and start again the next day.
Yes sir!! Tim I’d love to hear your story as well. So sad that the persons at that FBO would not help you turn the jet around?? A real eye opener for me to hear your story. I was truly surprised that this could happen and the price they charged? Wow unbelievable. My guess is you will not be going back there again? There loss.
There's a tailwind limit of 15 knots to ensure proper airflow through the engine during start. Winds that day were almost 30 knots so we were well outside of the max limit
How far in advance do you need to schedule your arrival time where you're declaring customs into the U.S.? Asking because if one decided last minute to spend an overnight in Turks & Caicos. Loving all the Vids,
Shame about the issues with the FBO, that’s not good word of mouth relations!!! Got a chance to check out a Honda Jet at the Expo in Austin, loved it except the pedestal yoke…. He said full fuel useful load was 1,000lbs, that didn’t sound ditto me…..
Hmmm.... I go into BIV frequently. Wish it was BVI instead 😆 Also, FBO line personnel refusing to assist moving a customer's aircraft....a HondaJet no less, AND all the expenditures that you are paying them for??? Oh boy that is just bad for business! That $1000 handling fee for them not even accommodating you is straight up robbery.
Signature sucks. I just recently resigned from my local airport FBO. They kill you with fees and can’t find good employees mostly due to low pay and crappy hours.
@@bluemaxsix gotcha! They still suck though! Ran into my old boss there today, Signature froze all job openings of which he needs 5. They can’t do the job as required by the standards! MQS is the location.
Those $1000 handling fees ought to be able to fund a nice fat taxi way. But then I suppose that they would lose that extra income on all that extra fuel burnt while their customers are put in a hold for spacing 😆
What is the "Disbursement" fee about? Disappointing about Signature. I imagine you picked them for guaranteed a=name quality instead of one of the other five FBOs. I guess Signature get so much business that they can afford to just tell customers to screw off. For a $1,000 "Handling" fee you'd think they could "handle" your plane 180 degrees. Or lend you a towbar.
Hey Blue Max Six , enjoyed the video, i do have a question that got me thinking. You said in the video you knew about when flying into this island that the winds blow a certain way during a certain time a year? Correct? As it sounds like someone that flew in before (also in a honda jet, not that it matters what type) explained how you should park into wind I get it. My other thought was before shutting done at this FBO parking spot (which im guessing they directed you to this area (maybe not directed?) but could you have not just swung around before shutdown and faced the direction of the wind? I am not at all supported the FBO as they seemed like @ss holes. I just wondered when flying into certain places customer service is such a low priority (just from experience , but only in certain areas i have found out. I could be so wrong on all this. But it bothered me enough that crap like this gets away with from the service point of view. I watched this video like 4 hours ago, and before i fell asleep i had to respond as i was so Pissed off. I haven't been yet to BVI and sure looks like a nice place i would fly into but now i would never spend my hard earned money sadly at this location. But i do enjoy these videos so please keep making them. Cheers Nico from Mexico city
Great questioned. 1) I was Marshall ed into the ramp so was specifically park by the ramp personnel. 2) the plane was moved while I was away. Both is these are very typical and I see this at more than roughly 70% of my FBO stop. Especially at business locations
The pic in the background at the beginning… lobster trap in Anegada!! My favorite island!
I love it out there. I always get my boat and head straight for Anegada to get away from the crowds.
Oof! After watching your arrival I was so excited, but definitely a bummer with your FBO experience and your leaving with the bad taste.Thanks so much for sharing!
Yea...there's that. It I'm over it.
FlashPass is great ART is always willing to help!!!!
Can confirm!
Thank you for sharing!!!!!!
Heck, thanks for watching.
Great channel, I’ve been watching to help with future private pilot training😊 I’m 59 and excited and wondering if my best before date has expired. It’s been a dream for myself since my time in the military as an Aviation Systems Technician.
Once again thanks for a great learning channel
Cheers
Thanks! 59 is a great starting place.
We're the Cold War Kids...Reagan Youth, Gen X. There's really no doubt that you'll be able to pull this off and have plenty of time left to enjoy it.
Thanks for watching the channel and for taking the time to comment.
Would love a video on how you decided on the Honda Jet, annual running cost, Hanger fees, Mainteance, overhauls, Fuel, maybe price per hour of flight time and a bit of your background would be fascinating as well being someone who can afford one! Love the videos.
Hmm. Not sure I want to crunch those numbers. Then I'm accountable for knowing! But sure, I'd love to talk about it if there's interest.
Also, what do you think of the latest releases from HondaJet and the new technology - auto throttle etc.
Pretty sweet. But TBH, like the spoilers the most.
I was just about to research this channel to see if a video had been made on why the Honda Jet!
Flashpass works fantastic. Nice video!
They're awesome. Thanks for watching.
Being from Puerto Rico I’m bias but agree San Juan controllers are amazing!
I'll bet you're biased....but they really are exceptional. Thanks for taking the time to watch.
Great flight and amazing views
Thanks. It really was an amazing flight. And I'm the pilot who rarely looks at the views
Fantastic video, living my pilot life through you 👍
Very kind. Thanks. About to fly this morning and we'll be recording.
Very cool - Bickel
¡Gracias, Señor Bickel!
Yea that was foul of tha FBO to nt help in assisting u all. Nonetheless i'm glad you all enjoyed yourselves. I've never been to tha virgin islands before. Soon. #salute!!!!!
It was a blast. Even with the poor FBO experience, I'm so grateful
Are there options for FBOs in Tortola? Likely, I would have ended up in jail. The other option, designed to prevent incarceration, would be to fly into St. Thomas and then commute. Kind of defeats the purpose of owning a jet. With that in mind, I would have paid the bill, get the keys and cancel my payment the moment I get into the US. Considering that I am looking at homes on Long Bay Beach in Tortola, this is an issue that I must attack head on. What I have found in islands like St. Kitts, tip in advance five hundred dollars. Yes, your bill goes up, maybe, but at least they won't ruin your airplane. :-) And maybe prevent throwing out your back. Those folks in Tortola are British, more or less. What they did to you was a classless act unbecoming of what I have come to know as a classy island. But I'll tell you this. If I had the same experience before I invest in rental properties, second-home, etc., I will promptly move to Barbados, where such a classless act in a setting that demands class (a private jet-accepting FBO) is unheard of. God Save the Queen!
There are ALWAYS options!
Try Anguilla. More friendly. Better beaches, better people. And less expensive.
Good gouge. Thanks
You might have described it in another video so forgive possibly being behind. What is the crest?
Thanks for asking. It's the Prussian Por le Merit medal. I commanded an Attack Helicopter unit in the Army called Blue Max and they'd used that Crest Fri decades. As I was the commander, my designation was "6" hence, Blue Max 6
That’s awesome!! Thank you for your service 👍🏻
Looked like a great trip, too bad the FBO had to make the return frustrating--you'd think they'd be a little more attentive to a prospective repeat customer
Yep. So goes business though. And it was an amazing trip.
Monopolies don't have to care. If some do, that's great, but I've found it the exception. They also tend to treat their employees the worst, which trickles downhill to the customer.
@@KutWrite are most the FBOs there owned by one corporation?
@@peterc2696 I was speaking of the one island. If you want to land and park there, you must deal with that company. If they had competition, they'd have to work to gain customers.
Thank you for sharing the good life with us, peasants !!!
Hah. Um, OK.
Candidly, I do feel very grateful but I also know that it's temporary and fleeting.
I'm a mission advisor for a big aviation logistics company - I'm curious about the handler that was giving you all those problems? I'd like to hear the full scenario on that.
Buy me a beer...let's talk!
@@bluemaxsix
I'd love to - currently in Costa Rica trying to relocate back to the states. I'll stay tuned - maybe we'll cross paths.
Interesting report, my first reaction was that maybe the FBO staff was waiting for you to hand out some Ben Franklin souvenirs? Never been to Tortola and not a pilot, but I've traveled a bit in the Caribbean and there seems to be a fair bit of palm greasing in the tourism industry. Are Signature facilities all company-owned and operated, or do they hand out franchises around the world like the hotel chains to anyone who pays? Still disappointing when you're wrapping up what sounds like a great vacation. Looking forward to the next leg!
Thanks. Not sure either UT it was an unfortunate (and expensive ve) Interaction. Turks & Caicos was the exact opposite. Exceptionally good.
Have you uploaded the story of your military experience and what's behind the name of this channel?
I need to find a way to do that. Any ideas?
@@bluemaxsix You have a good "stage' presence and personality. I'd just set the camera (horizontally) on a tripod, sit on the entry stairs of the plane, or inside it, and start your story at the beginning. I'm sure many others are curious as to your background, military stories, how you started your obviously successful business, etc. Try a dry run first and see how you feel. Take notes on what you want to talk about and try. You can always erase and start again the next day.
Good gouge. Thanks again
Yes sir!! Tim I’d love to hear your story as well. So sad that the persons at that FBO would not help you turn the jet around?? A real eye opener for me to hear your story. I was truly surprised that this could happen and the price they charged? Wow unbelievable. My guess is you will not be going back there again? There loss.
So what was the purpose of parking into the wind to reduce the amount of salt hitting and sticking to the airplane?
My guess is to protect the control surfaces from damage by some gust of wind.
There's a tailwind limit of 15 knots to ensure proper airflow through the engine during start. Winds that day were almost 30 knots so we were well outside of the max limit
@@bluemaxsix I see thanks for the reply!
How far in advance do you need to schedule your arrival time where you're declaring customs into the U.S.? Asking because if one decided last minute to spend an overnight in Turks & Caicos.
Loving all the Vids,
Thanks so much for watching. Customs says they need 30 mins heads up. FlashPass recommends 24 hours and another check in before departure.
Come to BARBADOS!
Been there. We loved it! If you notice the watch I'm wearing in our videos, I picked up in Barbados.
@@bluemaxsix - Very cool stuff! You must come again. I treat you to the best Jamaican lunch you've ever had. : )
It's a deal!
@@bluemaxsix 👍
After the awful customer service and price I’d have a hard time not going full Gunnery Sgt Hartman :)
We all miss Gunny Hartman!
Shame about the issues with the FBO, that’s not good word of mouth relations!!!
Got a chance to check out a Honda Jet at the Expo in Austin, loved it except the pedestal yoke…. He said full fuel useful load was 1,000lbs, that didn’t sound ditto me…..
1000lbs useful? Hmmm. Glad I don't have that one
@@bluemaxsix
With full fuel….that seemed high, what’s yours?
Wish I could post pics here. I'd show you my W&B from today's flight.
BEW -7262
Max TOW - 10,700
@@bluemaxsix
So 1,138 full fuel useful load….
That’s about 2x the the competition’s
Hmmm.... I go into BIV frequently. Wish it was BVI instead 😆
Also, FBO line personnel refusing to assist moving a customer's aircraft....a HondaJet no less, AND all the expenditures that you are paying them for??? Oh boy that is just bad for business! That $1000 handling fee for them not even accommodating you is straight up robbery.
Yep, it was a huge fail in their part. Of course, now I have to go look up BIV
@@bluemaxsix Holland, Michigan!
Signature sucks. I just recently resigned from my local airport FBO. They kill you with fees and can’t find good employees mostly due to low pay and crappy hours.
Well to be clear, this WAS NOT a Signature. They had the name added on but have no affiliation.
@@bluemaxsix gotcha! They still suck though! Ran into my old boss there today, Signature froze all job openings of which he needs 5. They can’t do the job as required by the standards! MQS is the location.
Those $1000 handling fees ought to be able to fund a nice fat taxi way. But then I suppose that they would lose that extra income on all that extra fuel burnt while their customers are put in a hold for spacing 😆
Yea...Especially when it's a $2000 handling fee!
Great flying! What business are you in?
RUclips?!
OK OK,I've been in tech since I left the military. Lately is been more focused on data and analytics.
@@bluemaxsix Very cool! I'm in the Bay Area for college studying CS- would love to get lunch if you're ever in the area!
It's a deal. I have a daughter in that area too
What is the "Disbursement" fee about?
Disappointing about Signature. I imagine you picked them for guaranteed a=name quality instead of one of the other five FBOs. I guess Signature get so much business that they can afford to just tell customers to screw off. For a $1,000 "Handling" fee you'd think they could "handle" your plane 180 degrees. Or lend you a towbar.
Hah, yep...dunno and they couldn't tell me either. Let's be clear thought, this IS NOT Signature.
Hey Blue Max Six , enjoyed the video, i do have a question that got me thinking. You said in the video you knew about when flying into this island that the winds blow a certain way during a certain time a year? Correct? As it sounds like someone that flew in before (also in a honda jet, not that it matters what type) explained how you should park into wind I get it. My other thought was before shutting done at this FBO parking spot (which im guessing they directed you to this area (maybe not directed?) but could you have not just swung around before shutdown and faced the direction of the wind? I am not at all supported the FBO as they seemed like @ss holes. I just wondered when flying into certain places customer service is such a low priority (just from experience , but only in certain areas i have found out. I could be so wrong on all this. But it bothered me enough that crap like this gets away with from the service point of view. I watched this video like 4 hours ago, and before i fell asleep i had to respond as i was so Pissed off. I haven't been yet to BVI and sure looks like a nice place i would fly into but now i would never spend my hard earned money sadly at this location. But i do enjoy these videos so please keep making them. Cheers Nico from Mexico city
Great questioned. 1) I was Marshall ed into the ramp so was specifically park by the ramp personnel. 2) the plane was moved while I was away.
Both is these are very typical and I see this at more than roughly 70% of my FBO stop. Especially at business locations