Local resident’s Scripps Aviation offers ‘competitive’ charter rates, helps aircraft owners save money

Bill Scripps, owner of Scripps Aviation

By Kelley Carlson

Airplane enthusiasts on high-flying adventures sometimes find their expenses soaring.

Scripps Aviation, headquartered at McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, aims to help aircraft owners and charter clients save money, according to co-owner Bill Scripps.

“We treat the owner with respect and provide service at a fair price,” he said.

The concept of the company began about two years ago when Scripps, a pilot and owner of a Cessna Citation II, said he became disillusioned with the service he was receiving from different management companies in the area. Scripps felt a lot of gouging was occurring, especially with aircraft maintenance.

“I felt I was being taken advantage of,” he said. “I thought, ‘There’s a better way to do this.’”

So Scripps, along with partners Larry Jones and John Wilson, developed Scripps Aviation. The business received its certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration in March, and operation of the company began that same month.

“The idea is that the aircraft owner is treated more as a partner than as a client,” Scripps said.

He added: “I love being around airplanes. It’s an opportunity for me to be involved in an enterprise I really enjoy. It’s kind of a win-win for me.”

The Rancho Santa Fe resident — who describes himself as a “bit of an entrepreneur and investor”— has been flying since 1989. He started getting serious about his hobby 10 years ago, and obtained the jet type rating two years ago, permitting him to fly certain aircrafts that require additional training beyond the basics.

Scripps Aviation provides a number of services, including assistance with aircraft acquisitions, security systems and procedure evaluations, FAA compliance checks, consulting services on crew hiring, pilot service and training, hangar storage and more. It also has its own maintenance division.

An online portal is available for owners to get up-to-date information on the past and present whereabouts of their planes; get complete detail of past and present aircraft maintenance; and receive notification of upcoming maintenance checks and repairs well in advance.

“Competitive” charter rates are also offered, Scripps said. The company has concierge services such as ground transportation and lodging, along with catering, and can customize travel itineraries.

Also, Scripps Aviation is a Wyvern Registered Operator and will provide documentation to confirm that clients are booking safe and compliant flights.

Scripps’ Citation II is among the jets available for charter. The company’s fleet also includes a Citation V and a Beechcraft King Air C90, and they are licensed to fly to Canada and Mexico.

Scripps said he hopes to grow the number of planes over the next 10 years.

“Our goal is to add aircraft every quarter,” he said. “I’m excited about the possibility, and I’m excited about the concept.”

The company is at 2006 Palomar Airport Road, Suite 202, in Carlsbad, and is available 24/7.

For more information, call (760) 603-3224 or e-mail info@scrippsaviation.com.

Short URL: http://www.delmartimes.net/?p=30228

Posted by Staff on Dec 21, 2011. Filed under Business Spotlight. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry