|
From Bob Palle
on 24-Jan-2012 |
|---|
|
|
I thought the Columbia Air people were great. I had trouble with the self serve 100LL CC machine, so they honored the SS price for full service. It does not get any better than that. Allyson helped me charge my iPad, gave me directions to the little restaurant, which was great and was otherwise cheerful and helpful. I liked my treatment very much....
|
|
From Adam Norwitch
on 18-Nov-2011 |
|---|
|
|
I have purchased 100's of gallons of fuel over the last 3 years. I topped off on a quick turn on Sunday. I came back through on a quick turn to drop off the same passenger 4 days later and was charged $75 for NOTHING! We didn't even use the bathroom or go into their facility (except to pay the ransom). This is a turbo prop not a G5 and it is LAL not TPA. Ouch!!Response from Kenneth W. Palmer, General Manager, Columbia Air Services
Dear Mr. Norwitch, I typically manage with the approach that the customer is always right. However, in this case I feel the need to clarify a few things for the benefit of AirNav's readers: You neglected to mention on your return it was requested we have the passengers' car ramp-side, and we did. We promptly pulled the car to the aircraft, helped unload luggage, and escorted them off the field. I wouldn't say we did nothing. You then asked our line crew if you had to check in, they said yes. You turned and yelled to your passengers, "I have to go check in before they call the cops on me". Then you berated the CSR behind the counter for several minutes while she billed you out. While we do have facility fees in place, they can be waived for a very modest fuel purchase. Maybe you could take advantage of this option in the future. We will continue to provide you and your passengers with excellent service, and the courtesy that I expect you to show my employees during future visits.
|
|
From Robert Cochell
on 16-Oct-2011 |
|---|
|
|
I am "local" from KVDF but couldn't get in due to T'stroms at Tampa so diverted to KLAL and what a nice group of folks. New crew car and a great recommendation for a local "Mom and Pop" restaurant (Fred's), made getting weathered in fun for me and my wife. Highly recommend Response from Sharon Araldi, Client Relations, Columbia Air Services
Robert, Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience with us. We truly appreciate your business! I'm glad to hear our staff turned a bad weather inconvenience into an enjoyable time for you and your wife. We'd love to take care of you under better circumstances in the future!
|
|
From Tim Noto
on 10-Oct-2011 |
|---|
|
|
Worst service I have ever received in 20+ years of flying. Parking is $115 a night with a facility fee of $125! Nope that's not a misprint (Citation 550). Stupidly expensive fees, never again and I promise I will let everyone I know about it!
|
|
From Jeff Pett
on 12-Apr-2011 |
|---|
|
|
Flew in the day after the storm for Sun n Fun. Had made arrangements ahead of time, and changed them several times and the staff handled the changes and my numerous questions with patience and friendliness. Flew in and out over the course of the show and always were given quick, friendly service.
|
|
From Kevin Bachand
on 04-Apr-2011 |
|---|
|
|
Without the help of the fine people at this FBO I would have been lost during the extreme conditions at Sun 'n Fun 2011. From getting my airplane fueled under difficult circumstances to fixing a rather complicated rental car problem, these people treated me as thought I was flying heavy metal and buying thousands of gallons of Jet A. I was flying a Piper Tri-Pacer and I bought 11 gallons of 100LL. A huge thanks to Tom and his entire crew for making what could have been a disaster into a very fun experience. See you next year.
|
|
From RT Dickson
on 01-Apr-2011 |
|---|
|
|
Parents were stranded at Lakeland with a damaged airplane due to the storm and needed to make arrangements to leave it until repairs can be made. I offered to help find a place to leave the aircraft so called Columbia since I used to work the line at one of their predecessors on the field. Front desk is overwhelmed and rude but the worst of it is the attitude of the manager Steve Leidigh who adopted the attitude of "not his problem". Steve was very argumentative, did not care about anything I had to say or my questions about storage options with him or elsewhere. Yelled at me over the phone and then hung up. Obviously Steve is in a position way over his head and has no concept about customer service. Would recommend never going to Columbia at Lakeland.
|
|
From Edward San Juan
on 22-Aug-2010 |
|---|
|
|
I would like to highly recommend that any pilot looking for a pilot-friendly airport in Central Florida consider Lakeland Linder Regional. The folks at Columbia Air Center could not have been more accommodating while I was there this past weekend for a recent flight review. Our arrival was greeted on the apron by Bobbie's infectious smile and Sharon at the desk arranged for rooms at a convenient hotel just across the street from the FBO. Earhart's Runway Grill upstairs features a great view of the apron and runways along with some of the best airport fare you will find anywhere. If you need to practice approaches or simply work the pattern, the slow pace of this towered airfield is perfect for focused work. I will be back!
|
|
From Carlos Riquezes
on 19-Jul-2010 |
|---|
|
|
Very good service and handling, I will go back again
|
|
From Regis Donovan
on 12-Jul-2010 |
|---|
|
|
Great airport, nice FBO, staff (especially Raul Maldonado) were extremely helpful and courteous.
|
|
From Robert J. Mayer
on 05-Jul-2010 |
|---|
|
|
I made an unexpected stop at Lakeland due to weather at my destination and I was treated like royalty! The facilities are great and when I decided to call it quits for the day the counter person found me a hotel and gave me the courtesy car to go into town to have dinner. The next morning I found that my plane had been moved into a hangar overnight because they thought a storm might go through! To top all of this, when I pulled up to the self-service pumps it started to rain and out came Tommy in his golf cart with an umbrella to assist me. I would stop back in a heartbeat. Excellent service, great people and a great facility.
|
|
From Shari Meyer
on 21-Apr-2010 |
|---|
|
|
Flew into Sun 'N Fun on April 17th and taxied up to the FBO. There was quite a bit of confusion upon arrival-the desk personnel seemed to be over-taxed. Took about a 1/2 hour to get our pre-arranged rental car. Upon departing early Sat. AM the confusion at the desk was overwhelming although it was not busy. It took over 15 minutes to locate our fuel bill, then when located it had been charged incorrectly. Then took another 15 minutes trying to figure out the error and was told it would be corrected and faxed to us (still waiting.) Was also surprised to pay $50/night for parking. We have an Eclipse, which takes no more room than a Baron, which pays $25/night. I called Columbia and confirmed my parking charge was correct and was told that it is because I have a jet although there is no difference in where we are parked or how much space is taken up. Due to the time wasted with desk personnel confusion as well as the over priced parking I will find somewhere else next time for Sun 'N Fun.
|
|
From Kelly Basham
on 20-Apr-2010 |
|---|
|
|
Flew into Sun-N-Fun Friday the 16th and out Sunday the 18th with my handicapped dad. We were parked and met on the ramp quickly, efficiently, and courteously. The lineman Emilio and Casey behind the desk took very good care of us above and beyond the call by providing transportation to the on-field Hilton (that does not have transportation for it's guests!). In and out operations were expedited or slowed to our needs and the FBO, as you can imagine, was quite busy those days. Very good place to stop. Emilio and Casey: Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping us with my dad!
|
|
From Chris Davis
on 18-Mar-2010 |
|---|
|
|
Taxied up in our Arrow last weekend. No lineman. No tiedowns. Was told they can "triple chock you". Girl behind the counter gazing at computer "looking for a cruise". Confusion upon checkout at 730AM on Monday. Lineman did not know proper procedure to bill for fuel: "the girl hasn't arrived yet".
|
|
From Ken Green
on 14-Mar-2010 |
|---|
|
|
I've been here many times and felt the need to confirm others comments. This is a nice airport and very helpful FBO.
|
|
From Dr. Ray Della Porta
on 23-Feb-2010 |
|---|
|
|
Just attended the Twin Cessna Flyer seminar this past week in Lakeland. Taxied to Columbia Air Services and was greeted by Raul, operations director, who made us feel like we just landed in Air Force One. Raul helped us unload and carry our luggage inside, then towed our 340 to a very secured area. After registering with the friendly gals at the desk, Raul came back and drove us across the way to the Hilton Garden Inn, and wouldn't allow us to carry a thing in to the lobby. I have never been treated with so much kindness and respect by any FBO anywhere. Our stay was one my wife and myself will never forget from the time we arrived, the classroom provided by Columbia, the use of their van for church, the popcorn, fair fuel prices, and of course Raul. Thanx Columbia, we'll be back for sure.
|
|
From Mike Council N1634W
on 04-Feb-2010 |
|---|
|
|
I flew to LAL to attend a Beech Pilot Proficiency Program and due to weather, I came a day earlier than scheduled. Everyone at Columbia was friendly and went out of their way to accommodate me. The friendly GM, Mr. Stephen Leidigh, waived the tiedown fee. I was treated as if I was a corporate pilot about to fill up with thousands of pounds of Jet A. That evening, Columbia loaned me a crew car and directions to a local restaurant. When the time came to move my airplane across the airport to the designated parking area, the lead lineman, James, assisted me with my airplane cover and then assisted me again when tying down on the other side. Columbia is a first class operation from the linemen to the ladies behind the counter (thanks Allison) as well as the hard working GM that was still at the office well after dark each evening. Thanks Columbia. You are a class act even in a time such as now when General Aviation is at a crawl with our economy in the tank.
|
|
From Daniel Walker
on 13-Jan-2010 |
|---|
|
|
I just spent the last several weeks working out of this FBO and found it to be a very enjoyable experience. The FBO was very nice and the service was excellent. Everyday I came in they had my plane pulled out and ready to go. When we returned they had the fuel truck pulled up before my engine was shut down. There is also a very nice Hilton Garden within walking distance. I would recommend this FBO to anyone working or stopping in the Tampa area.
|
|
From Ralph Glasser, MD
on 03-Jan-2010 |
|---|
|
|
Arriving late one evening for an unanticipated RON, we received 5-star service. Sharon (an extraordinarily stunning woman) graciously allowed us the courtesy car and made hotel arrangements. I would go back in a heartbeat. AAAAA+++++
|
|
From Bryan Smith
on 01-Jan-2010 |
|---|
|
|
Stopped by LAL for a checkride last week. Steve and his crew went out of their way to make sure we were well taken care of during our stay. He even found a quiet corner of the building where we could sit down for the checkride. All this despite the fact that our little helicopter didn't take on too much fuel compared to some of the other aircraft on the ramp. Great FBO and staff.
|
|
From Craig Woloshyn
on 06-Dec-2009 |
|---|
|
|
I've been flying into LAL for many years, and though I am just a little guy (Cardinal), and seldom buy any fuel as we are based just a few miles away, we always receive great treatment. We're greeted on the ramp, offered service with a smile, and get to use all the facilities just like the big guys. We've been grounded there for mechanical problems in the past, and even at night assistance was prompt and professional. Lately LAL is pretty quiet, especially with the closing of the restaurant, but it remains a great place to fly to. We use it for night currency and tower experience, as those folks are always helpful. And, now you can do a few T&Gs, land and walk across the street to the Hilton for a decent meal. Put LAL on your list of stops in central Florida-a great field, and it's not far from Fantasy of Flight.
|
|
From Nat Ostroff
on 08-Nov-2009 |
|---|
|
|
Landed at Lakeland for AOPA convention. Columbia set up hotel and car for us. Saved a real bundle and the drive into Tampa was only 30 minutes. The folks at Columbia were the most friendly and accommodating people I have run into at any FBO in the recent past. In fact, when we got home we discovered we had left my wife's handicap placard in the rental car. Christy at Columbia, when called by me from home, went out and found the thing and mailed it back to us. A great relief for my wife and me too. Can't say enough good things about Columbia people and support.
|
|
From Jim Plenning
on 26-Oct-2009 |
|---|
|
|
I had a noteworthy experience with this FBO in the recent past; its management, and customer support. I am a corporate pilot on a mid sized jet and we had 2 segments scheduled through LAL. The trip required a great deal of coordination so that the process to our passengers would appear seamless. All the employees including management were friendly and considerate to our needs. Charges were waived and good prices were obtained on fuel. We had changes to our plans and more coordination occurred with the same level of service. Finally the trip was cancelled (that's corporate aviation for you) and I had to call again and scrap the entire mission. The entire group handled it professionally. The FBO really wanted our business and I sincerely welcomed the attitude they had towards us. Thanks to you all for you help. See you next time!
|
|
From Charles Mullins
on 30-Sep-2009 |
|---|
|
|
Excellent service. Today I could not take on anymore fuel, however I appreciated that they did not charge me a ramp fee or handling fee, I will be sure to buy fuel next time.
|
|
From Marv Selge
on 16-May-2009 |
|---|
|
|
This FBO is excellent! The facilities are top notch and the employees are caring and efficient. I will continue to use Columbia for my visits to Lakeland. Rental car, fuel, flight planning are always easy a pleasure.
|
|
From Chris Reilly
on 29-Apr-2009 |
|---|
|
|
What a great FBO. My T-34 had a mechanical issue so we couldn't leave Sun N Fun, the staff was more than accommodating to my requests, they towed the plane and tied it down until our Mx folks could fly down and fix it. The manager, Stephen, was an excellent host and took care of our fees as we had already bought a full bag of gas. The gals behind the desk waived the overnight fee for some patches from my flight jacket, what a deal! Will definitely visit again!!!
|
|
From Gilbert Pierce
on 29-Apr-2009 |
|---|
|
|
Very poor service for high priced fuel. Fuel truck fueling aircraft next to me, 4/24/2009. Asked for fuel. Was told, "Take a number and get in line". Called desk for fuel. 2 hours later was called back and told they couldn't find my airplane. Explained where it was, still no truck. Flew to X35 and got fuel for $1.10 cheaper. It was on my way so why put up with poor service.
|
|
From Gary Hellman
on 24-Apr-2009 |
|---|
|
|
Excellent service at Sun n' Fun. For those who don't want to taxi in the grass and dust Columbia provides free same day tie down, and van service to and from the south side of the field. The EAA really dropped the ball by stopping north side service WITHOUT prior notice, and for charging for parking and insisting we purchase their $30 tie downs. Thanks for saving the day, Columbia Air Services!
|
|
From Robert Morris
on 20-Apr-2009 |
|---|
|
|
Called today and got some data that I thought might be useful for others, so posting it here: If coming in for Sun N Fun, they are charging 25/night for singles and 35/night for twins for tie-down on the ramp. Avgas is 4.35/gal full-serve and the self-serve is closed for the event. No waiving of a night of tie-down with fuel purchase, you pay for the tie-downs regardless of fuel purchase.
|
|
From Mike Quayle
on 16-Apr-2009 |
|---|
|
|
Stopped in for an overnight stay on a scouting mission for Sun n Fun 2009. The staff was very courteous, helpful and friendly. My rental car was waiting for me on the ramp and the fuel prices were acceptable for the service provided. A very good visit.
|
|
From Joe Dwoskin
on 22-Feb-2009 |
|---|
|
|
Very good service. They were unable to hangar the plane but found space with WingWaxers next door at the same price. Good FBO and recommended for their help on this trip.
|
