Choice Aviation, LLC, is Now Open For Refueling and Fixed and Rotor Wing Maintenance

Jun 23, 2008 10:08 AM

Choice Aviation’s much-anticipated fuel and maintenance facility is in full operation at Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD), providing fuel and maintenance services via its staff of certified, experienced, and well trained linemen and mechanics. Extensive maintenance capabilities, new fuel storage facilities, Avfuel-brand aviation fuels, a newly renovated customer terminal and onsite flight training make Choice one of the most well-equipped FBOs in the region. Choice also offers Avfuel’s popular pilot refueling incentive program, AVTRIP, as well as Avfuel’s Contract Fuel purchasing program for jet fuel savings.

Founded at the end of WWII by Glenn Nielson, who also founded Husky Aviation, Choice Aviation represents the third Nielson generation involved in the FBO business in Cody, Wyo., making it one of the oldest family-owned Avfuel-branded dealers. Today, Cody is run by Jay Nielson, President, and his father, Jim Nielson.

Choice Aviation is within minutes of the place that Teddy Roosevelt once described as “the most scenic 52 miles in America.” Less than an hour from Yellowstone National Park, this full-service FBO supplies pilots and passengers with everything they need to either kick back and relax or take care of business. Choice boasts brand new facilities equipped with WSI weather, satellite television, a library, relaxation rooms and lounges, free courtesy car, and some of the lowest fuel prices in the region. Pilots and passengers get an extra bonus when they stop at Choice: discounted golf at one of Wyoming’s top golf courses, Olive Glen (named after first generation owner, Glenn Nielson, and his wife Olive). Ask about passes to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, The Smithsonian of the West.

ABOUT Choice Aviation, LLC
Choice Aviation has a staff that exceeds the FAA’s requirements for fire and safety training and certification. Chief pilot Mike McCue soloed in 1964, and has flown for the Nielson family since 1973. He has more than 23,000 hours of flight time, has flown 727’s,737’s,747’s,777’s, and DC10’s for Continental Airlines and was check-airman on 727’s,737’s,and DC10’s from 1983 to 2005. He also owned his own FBO in Wyoming for six years. King Air Pilot Todd Simmons CFII soloed in 1997, has been a corporate pilot for six years and has close to 1,000 flight hours. Instructor and CFII pilot Ben Atnip also has more than 1,000 flight hours and also works as a lineman at Choice.

General manager Tony Griffin started in aviation in 1983 as a lineman. Since that time, Griffin has accumulated nearly 2,000 flight hours and fought wild fires in a C130 Hercules air tanker. He has been working as an A&P, has been flying since 1987 and has a Turboprop Flight Engineer certificate. A&P mechanic Jerry Simoneau is Director of Maintenance, and has specialized in helicopters since 1994. Amanda Votaw, who received her master’s degree from the University of Wyoming, oversees customer relations and manages the human resources and safety departments.

Lineman Dan Pfaffenroth has more than 10 years of line experience, 200 hours as a private pilot and is certified under CFR 139.321. Lineman Joey Moss has Navy C130 and P-3 experience in maintenance and fueling. Other Choice employees include Leslie Ebright, Kate Wilson and Carey Johnson – all seasoned customer service representatives – and Danny Ornoz, a lineman.

ABOUT AVFUEL
Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Avfuel Corporation serves the global aviation industry via a network of more than 600 domestic dealers and more than 700 international locations where Avfuel Commercial Contract Fuel is positioned. Avfuel is the leading independent supplier of aviation fuels and services to FBOs as well as a diverse market of specialty carriers including airlines, freight companies, military special operations, helicopter users, and corporate flight departments.

Source: Tony Griffin, General Manager, +307-587-9262, tgriffin@choiceaviation.com, www.choiceaviation.com

Contact: Contact: Marci Ammerman, Director of Marketing for Avfuel, +1-800-521-4106, mammerman@avfuel.com

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2008 Penton Media Inc.