University Air Center

at Gainesville Regional Airport

From Thomas Rimdower on 27-Jul-2008

Flew in on 7/26 around 1 in the afternoon and was greeted by a professional and helpful line staff. Although they seemed rather busy at the time, my plane was fueled quickly and I was on my way faster than I could have hoped for. Will stop by again next time I'm in the area.
 

From Gary Chojnowski on 02-Jul-2008

Inexpensive fuel. It was actually 30 cents cheaper to self-serve. Only rental cars are Enterprise, so they are somewhat pricey for an FBO. When I fly in, they only had full size, so I paid $60 for the day. On the other hand, the overnight tie-down fee is only $5. The inside is clean and staffed 24 hours with friendly people.
 

From Sean Lee on 11-Apr-2008

Stopped by for lunch today. After calling on the unicom inquiring about a restaurant I received the response "there's a woman who cooks!" That was my calling. I was directed into the spot by a very friendly lineman. The desk staff were friendly and Debbie, the woman at the girl made a killer burger. In all, I had a very positive experience. Who knows, I just might have become a Gators fan today.
 

From Tristan Raab on 16-Feb-2008

Stopped in a few days ago to make a quick pick up, in and out in less than 10 min. They wanted to charge me $5 for the 10 min that I was there. When asked to talk to the mgr he was not available. I then waited for my pick up and went back to the desk to see if the mgr was available then but he wasn't. I wasn't about to pay the user fee so I left and address where University Air could bill the plane. They weren't too happy with me. If we don't fight the small user fees now, they will continue to go up until it’s as bad as it is in Europe. For the record I arrived in a Piper Arrow and was there from shut down to start up about 18 min.
 

From Fred Smith on 06-Feb-2008

As usual sub par service with UAC... I guess the people who say only the jet guys complain haven't visited enough. Showed up at 8pm, as usual no answer on Unicom and no car (UAC couldn't find it). Took 300+ gallons of Jet-A and was charged for parking (first time in years). Asked where parking prices are posted, got no answer. Save your breath complaining about UAC, nothing gets changed and they have an answer for EVERYTHING (usually about how it isn't their fault!)

Response from Shanon Spears, University Air Center
In response to Mr. Fred Smith's letter, we here at UAC strive to do our best and if you are experiencing sub-standard service we the management would like to know about it. There is a big picture on the wall as you exit the building and it says that if you are dissatisfied with your service to please call the General Manager and speak to him personally, his name is Mr. Bill Pokorny and you can reach him at 352-335-4681. We would love to talk to you over the phone or in person to ensure that this does not keep happening to you when you arrive in GNV, so please feel free to contact us so we can all talk. Sorry for any and all inconveniences you feel you have had. Thank You, UAC Management

 

From Gary Smith on 12-Jan-2008

I fly in and out of GNV and use University Air Center on many occasions each year as my daughter goes to UF. I read with interest some of the negative comments. I can say that out of the dozens of times that I've visited, they have always been accommodating and professional. I do not always take on fuel, but it doesn't seem to matter as to the level of service. This is a Mooney, not a jet, so the comments that they only take care of the jetset are wrong. AND I wear an occasional LSU jacket!!!
 

From Greg Foreman on 06-Jan-2008

Stopped overnight en route to KSRQ. Nice facilities. Was greeted warmly and they setup up a hotel for me. The Holiday Inn has a discount with UAC and offers free shuttle service. The accommodations are ok if you are looking for a simple overnight. Arrived back the next day, plane was pulled up front and topped off. No problems. I'll be back.
 

From Rick Warden on 18-Dec-2007

Overnighted in GNV 2 weeks ago, We were greeted with professional line service staff, our passengers transportation were waiting ramp side, the staff at University Air Center made our brief stay in GNV very enjoyable. Look forward to seeing them again.
 

From TS Aviation on 12-Dec-2007

This FBO needs competition. Called inbound, no answer. Upon arrival was informed there was a minimum fuel purchase to waive fees. OK, that's reasonable, so I purchased fuel I did not need, and more than the minimum, because I believe FBOs should be supported if we expect services. Couldn't access the pilot lounge because the FBO staff was using it for a meeting. Used the crew van to get breakfast and returned. Some time later I asked to use the van again for a few minutes to get supplies my passengers had asked for, but was denied. They informed me that they were using it for something else, although it sat outside for the next 40 minutes. This FBO doesn't care about its customers. Walmart has better customer service.

Response from Shanon Spears, University Air Center
It's called a (COURTESY) van not a crew van, and on rare occasions the van must be used for company business. We needed the van at a certain time and that is why it sat there for a short period of time. Sorry for any inconvenience.

 

From Jim Mooring on 10-Nov-2007

Unicom was answered and I was asked if I wanted the rental car pulled to the airplane, which was nice. I filled out the paper work for the 2 nights I would be there and left a up front pull order for 0600. Arriving back at the airport about 0615, airplane no where to be seen, asked the line guy to get it up front and I needed 50 gallons of 100LL.... NO ONE EVEN MOVED! I walked to the airplane which was a long way from the office, preflight, cleaned the inside etc, still no one showed up to pull it up. Walked back in. 3 line guys, in their office drinking coffee with not a care in the world! Like always if it's not a jet they want nothing to do with it. Here's a hint..... don't let them reserve a motel room along I-75, as from the airport to the motel its a long 45 minute drive and the traffic is horrible in Gainesville. Avoid this FBO at all costs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

From Fred Smith on 03-Nov-2007

Bad service from a management staff that has not a clue how to manage general aviation aircraft. The line guys (some of them) are ok but most are just clueless about basic service. There is never an answer on Unicom and the rental cars are never pulled up. In short a badly managed FBO with poor service. Hint, try spend more on line guys than selling hot dogs or having someone in a Gator suit meet your arriving aircraft.

Response from Shanon Spears, University Air Center
Obviously Mr. Fred Smith was a Vanderbilt fan...Go Gators (49-22).

 

From C Winship on 09-Sep-2007

Great friendly service! First time here...Linesman directed me to a parking spot, tied the aircraft down and offered a ride in from the ramp. Nice facility inside with Great personnel to take care of you. Did not need gas, paid $10 to park my Baron overnight on game day. Very reasonable...Can't wait to return. Thanks for the Hospitality!
 

From Kathleen Draughon on 10-Jul-2007

We visited on July 7. No one there to park us; however, there were two men in a fuel truck that watched us, without moving. We must have parked in an okay place because no one asked us to move. Our rental car was there, but in the parking lot adjacent to the FBO's lot. When we returned, the woman at the service desk was much more interested in her phone call than in us. Mediocre service at best.
 

From Jim Russell on 04-Jul-2007

About the only medium size airport where 100LL people get treated equal. 100% satisfaction always. Other FBO's could learn from them.. They got my business. Always-friendly people..
 

From Gerry Stanford on 02-Jul-2007

Been there twice and the service got worst each visit. On weekends it appears there are only one desk person and one lineman, which as you can imagine is not a workable solution. Some poor soul was waiting at the gate to get to his airplane when I arrived and was still there when I left. Absolutely NO amenities including cold water offered here on weekends. From now on if I got the fuel, I'm going to fly to Cross City (CTY) for my JetA.
 

From Larry Rachman on 01-Apr-2007

Despite the mixed comments here, I decided to give University a try, needing to go to GNV. Though nobody answered my radio call when I taxied in, the tie down I picked was deemed acceptable when I walked into the FBO, which was clean and modern. A very pleasant young lady behind the counter took my fuel order, which was filled overnight. I did get dinged for overnight parking, but in all fairness I only took on about 11 gallons of gas. The next morning, it took a few minutes to get a quart of oil, but it arrived just as I finished preflighting and I was on my way. The FBO offered to bill the oil to my credit card and fax me the receipt, to save me the walk back to the building. All in all, not the cheapest place to overnight, but clean, courteous, and pleasant.
 

From Fred Eastman, PIC, Citation Ultra on 22-Mar-2007

University Air Center sadly is the only FBO game in town and the service shows, the line guys are nice enough but they have no clue about service basics etc. The front desk staff is always changing and does not have much experience. All in all the service at this FBO is pretty bad and the management has ZERO civil aviation experience (it shows) Too bad you have to deal with them if you fly to GNV.
 

From Mark Boette on 24-Jan-2007

I'm a regular customer, and there is no communication between the front desk and the line guys. We will call 20 min out requesting a quick turn, and when we arrive the line guys had no idea we were coming. Rental cars are never brought out to the airplane, we always have to go get them outselves. There have been times we have put a fuel order in, paid for it, and when we go to leave two hours later, we find out the plane has not been fueled. On busy game weekends its total chaos on the ramp. The line guys are nice enough, so I can't blame them, I think there is a lack of leadership from the management.
 

From T Smith on 22-Jan-2007

Wow... To say the service here is bad would be nice, let me tell you what they have NOT done in the last 5 years I have been stopping there: * They almost never help with baggage * They take their time fueling the airplane * 9 times out of 10 they don't pull up the airplane * They never pull up the rental cars when asked. I have had a credit card on file there for 5 years. Came in for a quick turn one morning, no other airplanes on the ramp, I called ahead and called 20 minutes out. No fuel truck waiting and when we finally did get fueled I told the lineman, "credit card's on file, we gotta run". While taxiing out we get a call from the tower saying, "you didn't pay for your fuel." No apology from University Air Center (even though one was promised). In short, this FBO stinks! Worst excuse for an FBO anywhere! Don't use them, they are useless....
 

From Rick Sorrell on 09-Dec-2006

Stopped by here several times for angel flight drop off. Lineman was out immediately to direct us. Nice facilities with no hassle staff.
 

From Peter Moncure, Cessna 177 N177Q on 10-Aug-2006

Been there several times lately, last time power was out to the tower, controllers working with portables did great. SS 100LL is directly across the ramp from University, but sometimes I pay the extra because I appreciate the great service. They even filled my O2 bottle for $30 while I waited, thanks from Cardinal 177Q until next time!
 

From Douglas Norton on 21-Jul-2006

Over night stop on 19-20 July. Excellent service and friendly folks. Look forward to a return visit.
 

From Neal Thompson on 11-Jul-2006

I've stopped there twice in the last couple of days on Angel Flight Missions. They are very friendly, helpful, and the courtesy car is great. Fuel price is about $.30 cents higher than is advertised on the site, but stuff happens. Worth stopping at if you must go to Gainesville.
 

From West Jones on 05-Jul-2006

I wish all FBO's were like University Air Center! They have a "can-do" staff and the controllers are friendly and accommodating. Thanks again!
 

From Roy M. Kinsey, Jr. on 15-May-2006

As I have in the past, I received first class service. I called ahead to arrange a rental car and it was ready when we arrived. As I had requested when I ordered the rental car, a lineman met us as we taxied in and directed us to a parking spot so it would not be necessary to tow the airplane. There was no problem bringing the car to the plane to load luggage. Four days later I called and ordered fuel and the airplane was fueled when we arrived at the airport. Again no problem driving the car to the plane. This is not a large FBO, but they have good people and do things right.
 

From Bryan P. Cavenaugh on 23-Apr-2006

Flown in several times in the last couple of months. FBO always gives great service and we have not paid a ramp fee yet
 

From John Ransom on 10-Apr-2006

Flew a Mooney into GNV 4/8/06 after diverting from trip back north due to severe line of weather. Was joined by many others with the same idea as they were leaving Sun'N'Fun. Considering the numbers, the staff did pretty well. Got a rental car and was on my way within 30 minutes after landing. The staff then repositioned my airplane to tie it down securely in advance of the approaching weather & high winds. Later I called & they graciously found me 2 nice hotel rooms, a real accomplishment considering the numbers of motorists stopping for the night, also due to weather. No ramp fee, but bought fuel for a "high-average" price for the area. Very helpful staff, nice facility; I'll land there again.
 

From Gene L. Downing on 29-Mar-2006

March 10 2006 service and attitude was terrible. No one to direct you in. Girl working the desk was forced to come in to work with the flu but was kind enough to warn us . I will never return to this FBO
 

From Chris Gruler on 12-Mar-2006

GNV is a nice airport with professional controllers. University air is nice and laid back, friendly. Make sure to let the line people know the particulars pertaining to fuel (I.E. Fill to the bottom of the filler neck.) or they may do the standard. Let them know when you need it done by or the big planes may get ahead of you. Fuel price within reason, as listed on AirNav. Otherwise, nice in and out with an easy-going atmosphere and scenery. Thanks.
 

From Jim Loach on 02-Mar-2006

I called University Air asked if there was a $40 ramp fee for small aircraft and was advised today, no there is no fee for aircraft whether or not they buy fuel.
 

From West Jones on 06-Feb-2006

My wife and I arrived on 2-5-06. We were instructed to park at the front door. The entire staff made us feel at home and we really appreciate the hospitality that we received. We will definitely return! Thanks to all of you!
 

From Rick Wakefield on 15-Dec-2005

Have been stopping in for 20 years in my Aerostar to have occasional lunch with friend. Always a good experience. Last trip in my MU2 was charged $40 ramp fee for being there 1.5 hrs for lunch. Ridiculous for a little college town. Terrible way to treat a GATOR. At least the lunch was good.