Black Canyon Jet Center Lures Cross-country Pilots

BLACK CANYON JET CENTER RAISES BAR ON CROSSCONTINENT REFUELING By Mark R. Klein

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MONTROSE, CO, February 27, 2009 – Here on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, a stop for jet fuel might turn into a fly fishing trip – that is if you happen to land at Black Canyon Jet Center. Some airport fixed base operators (FBO) lure pilots with massage chairs, darkened relaxation rooms, frothy lattes or overnight beds. But few offer what Black Canyon does: A convenient setting near Colorado’s spectacular outdoor playground – and its own FBO-based nature guide who has taken airport customers fishing along the Uncompahgre River, rafting down the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, even elk hunting in Lizard Head Wilderness. For some pilots landing at this FBO, “touch and go” means sending a trout fly skipping across a cold mountain stream. With a terminal that opened less than a year ago and a new partnership with Phillips® 66 Aviation, Black Canyon has boosted the appeal of the Montrose Regional Airport beyond the crowds that regularly stop there, eager to ski nearby resorts such as Telluride. Now, pilots crossing the country are opting to land at the FBO, taking advantage of a convenient mid-continent location, a commitment to welcoming hospitality and accessible runways that accommodate G-Vs. “Our mission at Montrose is to be a “top 10” FBO in the country, one of the best,” says Kevin Egan, managing partner for Black Canyon. “We want

pilots and passengers to see Black Canyon as a first class facility, which is one reason we partnered with Phillips 66®, aviation’s most venerable brand. From the moment a pilot radios in, we want them to expect professionalism and competence on the ramp, a quality experience.” Egan says the addition of WingPoints™ – Phillips 66 Aviation’s extensive new loyalty program – makes the airport even more attractive as a destination. As a participating WingPoints FBO, Black Canyon can reward pilots, schedulers, dispatchers and plane owners for purchasing aviation fuel. WingPoints are redeemable for debit and gift cards online (www.wingpoints.com) The FBO is becoming known for its dependable quick turns, says Egan. Two runways – one 5,759 feet, the other 10,000 feet – offer an easy approach to the 49 aircraft that land there daily. There is ample hangar space in the 30,000 square-foot heated hanger, built to house Gulfstream V and Challenger size aircraft. Another 30,000 square-foot hangar is planned. “Up until 2007, Montrose had no transient hangar facilities,” Egan explains, “and no General Aviation terminal.” But with traffic increasing every year, Egan and his partner Jim Rumble saw an opportunity to enhance the airport. The pair viewed Black Canyon as an appealing alternative to airports in Denver or Telluride, its pristine snow-covered slopes only a 1½-hour drive away. And at 5,794 feet above sea level, Montrose is blessed with both mild summers and Black Canyon’s command center winters, with minimal snow accumulation in the city. That makes the airport a viable transcontinental stop – in addition to being a gateway to a four-season outdoor playground.

Both Rumble and Egan had extensive experience with FBO ownership and are active pilots with 60-plus years in the cockpit between them. “We know how to take care of our customers,” says Egan. It is unusual for an FBO to arrange guided fishing trips, but Black Canyon is staffed by Montrose residents who relish hiking the nearby national forests like Uncompahgre, San Juan and Grand Mesa, or fishing the Curecanti National Recreation Center for browns, rainbows, Mackinaw trout and kokanee salmon. In fact, Black Canyon’s Director of Operations, Ken Watson, is a renowned fishing and rafting guide whose family has explored and lived in Western Colorado and Northern New Mexico since the 1800s. Fifteen minutes from the airport stretches a national park slowly carved over the eons to take a visitor’s breath away, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer rock walls and dizzying depths of Black Canyon.

“A pilot can land here in the morning and we can arrange for him to be peering over the edge of a spectacular canyon before his coffee gets cold,” Eagan exclaims. Other hospitality amenities at Black Canyon Jet Center include a private pilot lounge, shower, wi-fi and a putting green. The FBO also has on-location car rental, computerized weather and crew cars. It can also arrange for gourmet catering, limo service and hotel reservations. Montrose has long been a gateway to the communities and natural wonders of Western Colorado. Egan sees every reason why Black Canyon Jet Center can become a regular – and rewarding – stop for transcontinental flights. “Our goal is to offer one of the best FBO experiences in the country,” Egan states, “from the ramp and terminal to the runways and WingPoints rewards. Of course, if you just need an excuse to take a guided fly fishing trip, we can hook that up, too.”