Black Canyon’s command center
BLACK CANYON JETCENTER RAISESBAR ON CROSS-CONTINENT REFUELING
By Mark R. Klein
MONTROSE, CO, February 27, 2009 –Here on the Western Slope of theRocky Mountains, a stop for jet fuelmight turn into a fly fishing trip – thatis if you happen to land at BlackCanyon Jet Center.Some airport fixed base operators(FBO) lure pilots with massage chairs,darkened relaxation rooms, frothylattes or overnight beds. But fewoffer what Black Canyon does: Aconvenient setting near Colorado’sspectacular outdoor playground – andits own FBO-based nature guide whohas taken airport customers fishingalong the Uncompahgre River, raftingdown the Black Canyon of theGunnison, even elk hunting in LizardHead Wilderness. For some pilotslanding at this FBO, “touch and go”means sending a trout fly skippingacross a cold mountain stream.With a terminal that opened lessthan a year ago and a newpartnership with Phillips® 66Aviation,BlackCanyonhasboostedtheappealof theMontrose Regional Airport beyond thecrowds that regularly stop there,eager to ski nearby resorts such as Telluride. Now, pilots crossing thecountry are opting to land at the FBO,taking advantage of a convenientmid-continent location, acommitment to welcoming hospitalityand accessible runways thataccommodate G-Vs.“Our mission at Montrose is to bea “top 10” FBO in the country, one of the best,” says Kevin Egan, managingpartner for Black Canyon. “We wantpilots and passengers to see BlackCanyon as a first class facility, whichis one reason we partnered withPhillips 66®, aviation’s mostvenerable brand. From the moment apilot radios in, we want them toexpect professionalism andcompetence on the ramp, a qualityexperience.”Egan says the addition of WingPoints™ – Phillips 66 Aviation’sextensive new loyalty program –makes the airport even moreattractive as a destination. As aparticipating WingPoints FBO, BlackCanyon can reward pilots, schedulers,dispatchers and plane owners forpurchasing aviation fuel. WingPointsare redeemable for debit and giftcards online (www.wingpoints.com) The FBO is becoming known for itsdependable quick turns, says Egan. Two runways – one 5,759 feet, theother 10,000 feet – offer an easyapproach to the 49 aircraft that landthere daily. There is ample hangarspace in the 30,000 square-footheated hanger, built to houseGulfstream V and Challenger sizeaircraft. Another 30,000 square-foothangar is planned.“Up until 2007, Montrose had notransient hangar facilities,” Eganexplains, “and no GeneralAviation terminal.” But withtraffic increasing every year,Egan and his partner JimRumble saw an opportunity toenhance the airport. The pair viewed BlackCanyon as an appealingalternative to airports inDenver or Telluride, itspristine snow-coveredslopes only a 1½-hourdrive away. And at 5,794feet above sea level,Montrose is blessed withboth mild summers andwinters, with minimalsnow accumulation in thecity. That makes the airport a viabletranscontinental stop – in addition tobeing a gateway to a four-seasonoutdoor playground.
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