As mentioned in a previous post, I have embarked on a grand road trip that will showcase our latest aircraft GSE product offerings to current and new customers on the East Coast of the U.S. Here is an abbreviated version of a GSE operation that has been my dream for years.
It has been quite a journey thus far…leaving Boise, ID, on my way to the Atlantic seaboard, I stopped off in Taylor, MI to hang out with the team at Eagle Tugs, get some necessary hands-on training and observe the high-quality manufacturing processes that are required to build the advanced electrical systems on Eagle’s line of electric aircraft pushback tugs and aircraft tow tractors. Big thanks to Jace Morgan and Justin Akinleye for their awesome hospitality. They build some amazing equipment.
Heading East from Taylor, I barely left the Eagle Tugs facility in my RV before the intercooler on the diesel engine turbocharger decided to stop working. I had almost made it to Ohio without any complications, my lead foot may have been a contributing factor, but don’t tell the boss…Anyways, I ended up spending a week in Detroit and good chunk of cash getting my motorized pony on the road again.
Fast forward, I arrived at my first planned airport of the GSE Product Showcase Tour, Westchester County Airport in White Plains, NY. I enjoyed meeting and spending time with Dan, Walter and the crew at Panorama Flight Services. They gave nothing but positive feedback on the JetGo Ground Power Units (GPUs). After a successful initiation of the GSE Showcase Tour, I headed down the ramp to visit the folks at Million Air who were excited to operate some new GSE.
Ted, Mike and Bill at Million Air were exceptionally accommodating and helped move my ‘train’ of vehicles and equipment into place with their trusty Gators and Bobcats. Million Air was gracious enough to provide a complimentary valet service for the RV and allowed me to camp out in their car park (yes, I am Australian). These guys put the ramp equipment through the ringer and it still came out shinning. It was great to see AERO’s equipment tested by some of the best in the business and result in nothing but smiles. Thanks Million Air for your warm reception; it was my pleasure.
The initial stop on the GSE Product Showcase Tour was a success all-in-all. I’m still working out some kinks in the operation, but we’ll soon have this production dialed in. It was topped off by a stop at the local watering hole, the Cobblestone. There is nothing like some chicken parmesan to close several days of GSE-filled excitement.
This first portion of my journey has certainly been a learning experience. I’ll soon be on my way to Teterboro Airport in Northern Jersey. I can’t wait to see what is in store for me there. I’m looking forward to keeping updated on my whereabouts. Check back soon. Cheers from White Plains.
