History

The development of the MyFBO.com software began during the winter of 1998 / 1999 with the idea of selling more "marginal" hours.  In a general sense, the most profitable flight hour that an FBO can sell is the next one, since fixed overheads have been paid by the hours already sold.  Making that marginal hour clearly visible and easy to buy was thought to be an advantage.

Following the success of online scheduling, MyFBO.com began to look for other ways to increase revenue and decrease administrative workload.  By automating the aircraft (and instructor) dispatch and check-in process, the MyFBO.com software was able to capture the information needed for aircraft maintenance monitoring (including discrepancies) and customer invoicing.  Some of the features that resulted during late 1999 and early 2000 were: 

• Alerting the subscriber to both maintenance required and "due soon."  In fact, the software predicts maintenance dates based on the reservations on file.  Maintenance can sometimes sneak up on you.  By tracking both hours and maintenance due dates, subscribers can increase the availability of their fleet and the hours that aircraft are flown.
• Tracking instructor hours, thus providing CFIs with all of the information needed to maintain their log book.  The same data can also be used by an subscribers to calculate payments due to contract instructors.
• Determining aircraft utilization and calculating leaseback payments.  For subscribers with a number of leased aircraft, this is often the task most dreaded by the staff.  Using the check-in information and the ability to easily detect and correct erroneous Hobbs readings, the MyFBO.com software makes this an easy task. 

At the same time, the MyFBO.com software was enhanced to assure the appropriate use of a subscriber's fleet.  At the subscriber's option, the software assures renters are checked-out in type, meet minimum time-in-type requirements, possess required ratings, have a current medical and flight review, and are current.  If a subscriber chooses not to use this option, the software allows each customer to input their medical and flight review dates and provides automated reminders when these items are due.

In mid 2000, multi-airport functionality was added.  With this function enabled, multi-airport subscribers can maintain a single database, allowing customers to schedule any available resource at any airport base.  In addition, aircraft and other resources can be redeployed across airports to meet customer demand or to cover scheduled maintenance and forced outages.

A Standby feature was added to the software during the fourth quarter of 2000.  If leaseback calculations are the most dreaded staff assignment, maintaining waiting lists is a close second.  This feature will notify customers if requested aircraft or instructors become available – automatically.

Many changes during 2001 were focused on customer / member accounting.  Subscribers wanted a more complete solution to their FBO / club  management needs, and MyFBO.com has complied.  The software can invoice any item a subscriber sells (including fuel), process recurring charges (e.g., tie downs, monthly dues), issue monthly invoices, and track payment against those invoices.  The software can assist in balancing your cash drawer.  An interface with QuickBooks® supports FBOs and clubs that want a fully-automated accounting solution.  

The year 2001 also saw the extension of the MyFBO.com software from strictly web-based to a system the allows wireless access from web-enabled cell phones and Personal Digital Assistants (e.g., Palm).

A consistent theme at the end of 2001 and through 2002 was an increase in security-related data and functions.  Initially, the focus was on meeting the FAA's security suggestions.  From changes as simple as including emergency telephone numbers on every page to those as complex as maintaining security photos and key codes online, MyFBO.com was proactive in meeting the industry's increasing security needs.

In addition to a greater emphasis on tracking operating costs and profitability of a subscriber's fleet, 2002 saw the introduction of other key improvements such as making discovery flight booking available from a subscriber's home page.  New support for fractional operators – from owner-flown single-engine to large turbine aircraft with passenger manifests was also added.

Perhaps most significant for 2002 was the continued and enhanced focus on subscriber support.  An online support system was introduced that allows subscribers to enter, track, and see the resolution of their requests online.  However, the greatest change was a new world-class help system that can double as the system's printed documentation.

The option to process credit cards online was a major addition during 2003.  This feature reduced queuing at the front desk for larger organizations while minimizing the need for administrative support for smaller operators.  The year 2003 also saw the release of the Inventory Management Subsystem.

Ground service reservations, inbound flight tracking, and safety management were the hallmarks for 2004.  In addition, online gift certificate sales for the holiday season proved a boon to flight schools with many new student starts as a result.

The introduction of Advanced Curriculum Tracking during 2005 included the ability to fully define curricula and to track student progress against those curricula.  Advanced Curriculum Tracking has the flexibility to manage present curricula as well as FAA-Industry Training Standards (FITS) programs.

Fuel management and ramp sales were the focus of the second half, including the rollout of "MyFBO Mobile" – a ramp solution using inexpensive off-the-shelf hardware.

The first half of 2006 continued the focus on fuel management and disbursement, including interface with the Veeder Root EMR3 petroleum measurement system.  This culminated with the use of MyFBO.com services in fueling thousands of aircraft at EAA's AirVenture 2006 in Oshkosh, WI.  

In addition, 2006 saw the release of the Service Order Subsystem, making MyFBO.com services available to a new class of service center users.  Service Orders are fully integrated with other online services, allowing owners to monitor and participate in the servicing of their aircraft.

The MyFBO.com software is a continually evolving and expanding product.  New features and options are frequently added at the request of our customers.  And new features implemented for one subscriber benefit all.

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