Monroeville Aviation & Avionics

at Monroe County Airport

From Ken GReen on 30-Sep-2009

I had to fly way south to avoid a line of weather. The briefer in SC suggested Monroeville. What a surprise it was Saturday afternoon and the place may not be open. They were open and very accommodating. Pulled pork BBQ so late in the day the beans were gone. I had to stay after closing they said check the weather on the computer use the car if you need too and lock the door and turn off the lights when you leave. Very nice people and family involved.
 

From Frank Gorham on 06-Aug-2009

We were surprised walking into their facility today - a full kitchen, buffet line and tables. Several military crews were being served while their jet-A planes were being fueled outside. We were told the food was not for sale but free with any fuel purchase of more than 50 gallons. Our Cessna could not take 50 gallons and no amount of encouragement or offers to pay could change their minds - NO food for us. Said they could not sell food because the owner would need a permit for food sales and health department inspections. Gal serving food invited us to leave instead of complaining. We did with a very bad taste in our mouths. Their business model is to entice the govt contract fuel flyers in for free meals and intentionally exclude GA. Can't have those little planes clogging up the ramp. The worst hospitality this author has ever seen at any airport.

Response from Tim Tirey, Monroeville Aviation & Avionics
In response to Mr. Frank Gorham's N5220A stop at Monroeville. This is one of the rudest people to ever grace the door. I have listed in a previous post our policy regarding food service. Mr. Gorham was even offered the opportunity to eat for free by just purchasing some fuel, which he refused to do. We also have a crew car available so he could have gone to a restaurant in our car for free or for that matter it's not 200 yards to the catfish house or the Mexican restaurant. He is right about one thing I certainly don't want him back ever!! It's against the law for us to sell food so we give it away. Like any other business we cannot give it away if you don't buy fuel and 50 gallons is the minimum or you don't eat. In fact the lady that offered to feed him if he just bought some would have been in trouble but he complained so she finally gave in and then he refused to by any fuel so he left hungry, she made the effort but he is a jerk!!

 

From Mac Dearman on 19-May-2009

We stopped in on our way to and from Sun N Fun this year - I must admit that these are some great folks, good fuel prices and as hospitable as anyone possibly could be. We didn't have a clue the food was free - - It was a fine breakfast both times! Thanks and we appreciate y'all much! Will see you again soon.

Response from Tim Tirey, Monroeville Aviation & Avionics
At Monroeville Aviation we strive to make your stop quick and easy. Please understand we are not in the restaurant business! We provide free breakfast, lunch & supper for all customers that purchase 50 gallons or more of fuel. We cannot sell food and we can't give it away to anyone buying less than 50 gallons of fuel.

 

From John Wilson on 10-Apr-2009

Stopped in for a bit of fuel (38 gal) and a leg stretch and not only had excellent service but the wife & I were treated to a first-class lunch of BBQ, beans, cold slaw & beverage. To quote Yakov Smirnoff, "What a country!" A must-stop if you are in the area!
 

From Jeff Gibbs on 13-Mar-2009

Stopped in for the first time yesterday and really enjoyed our stay. Don't let the looks foul you. Service and hospitality were great!!! John, the lineservice technician, had never fueled a LR31A before but didn't hesitate to ask for help with the service panel and pre-checks. Enjoyed a great breakfast and conversation with the armed forces personnel that passed through during their training. Fuel was cheaper there then our next leg to TLH but could only take 60 gallons. If you get a chance to drop in and support this down home airport I would highly recommend it.
 

From Jarell Jones on 18-Jan-2009

Arrived after hours, but had called ahead and they waited for me. Food was gone but the aroma of BBQ was still in the air. The homemade cake was great.
 

From Roy Jageman on 10-Nov-2008

Stopped on Friday on the way to Hilton Head. Had a very nice lunch, cake and beverage for the four of us. We only bought about 30 gallons and had very good service. We waited out some weather and enjoyed talking to the Army, Air Force and Naval aviators doing the same. Stopped again on Sunday. Much slower and no lunch. Took the crew car to Radley's and had a good lunch. A very nice, low-key place to stop.
 

From Shannon Forrest on 20-Oct-2008

Diverted due to full passenger bladder. Flew the full GPS approach in IMC. Upon arrival was met by two minors (the oldest could not have been over 17) who were the only ones at the "FBO". Requested a top off but employee missed one outboard tank of Cherokee 6. Good intentions but they need supervision as one of them told me later he had only worked there 8 weeks. Also noticed he let the fuel hose rest directly on the leading edge as he fueled. Again, training would really help here. We were not informed about the meal for fuel policy. In fact, they were not really forthcoming with much info at all. Prices were nothing spectacular. Avoided this stop on the return trip.
 

From Joe Ludwikowski on 12-Jul-2008

We stopped in at MVC both ways from Atlanta (KLZU) to New Orleans (KNEW). It doesn't look like much from the outside but don't let that fool you. Service was great and they serve homemade food. We had 2 great breakfasts with them. It was a great break on our trip. Gas prices are just average but the down home hospitality makes it worth the stop. I will definitely come back.
 

From Danny Stephens on 04-Feb-2008

There is a catfish restaurant and a Mexican restaurant off the northeast end of the runway, within walking distance (about 1/4 mile). Walked to the catfish restaurant, ate, and was back at the plane in less than an hour. The catfish was pretty good.
 

From Frank Kimmel on 17-Apr-2007

I stopped in Monroeville because strong headwinds overextended our bladders and we needed a place to stretch our legs. We discovered on landing that if we bought 50 gallons of fuel, we could eat lunch for free. The only problem was that I only could hold about 40 gallons of fuel. I offered that if we topped off and contributed $10 or so to the "kitty" could we join them for lunch. We were told that we could not eat under any circumstances unless we bought at least 50 gallons of gas, but we could buy a Coke from the machine (that requires exact change). Southern Hospitality.....??? I don't think so! Away we flew, never to return.