Story ID: 019touchingbasesAINJan12
U-Fuel Touts Self-Service FBO Design
By: Curt Epstein
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Word Count: 166

U-Fuel, a provider of aircraft fueling stations, has designed a self-contained unmanned “FBO-in-a-box” concept that it says is aimed at lowering the cost of operating at small airports.

The design consists of a weatherproof steel enclosure that contains self-service pumps for various fuels, an air-conditioned lounge with restroom, as well as a meeting room with telephone, wireless Internet and vending equipment for food, beverages and aviation items.

According to the company, access to the approximately $100,000 facility would be permitted through scanned credit cards or RFID devices, and a daily maintenance visit would be recommended to check the fuel sump and clean, maintain and restock the structure.

Some options call for the pre-fabricated unit to be solar or wind powered for use in areas that lack electricity. The manufacturer said the concept is perfect for small airports lacking basic services or for FBOs that wish to offer after-hours self-service to reduce costs associated with extended operational hours.