Lasill aviation: a comfortable space that welcomes pilots, planes and conversations
You know that welcomed feeling you get when you walk into your favorite coffee shop, pub or diner? You pull up a chair, order a coffee, pint or slice of homemade apple pie and just relax. It's a comfortable space where you can turn to the patron next to you and strike up a conversation. That's the feeling that customers get when they land at Fixed Base Operator (FBO) LaSill Aviation (LaSill).
A fixture at the Lawton Ft. Sill Airport (LAW), LaSill has welcomed pilots and planes into its hospitable space since March 2006. In 2011, the FBO expanded its offerings and became a Phillips 66-branded facility, offering quality fuel to all guests who fly through. The FBO offers a full range of amenities and services, charter flights and airframe and engine maintenance. In addition to serving the general flying public, LaSill caters to the military needs of the nearby National Historical Landmark, Fort Sill Military Reservation.
LaSill supports Fort Sill's fleet of aircraft, refueling and supporting America's air defense and artillery brigades. To keep the regular fuel transactions as fast and streamlined as possible, Phillips 66 Aviation worked with LaSill, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and Universal Fuels to develop an innovative solution for processing the fuel transactions. The solution uses a contract fuel program, Partners-Into-Plane, which makes purchasing fuel for pre-approved participants a convenient and easy process. The popular program is a beneficial offering to Phillips 66-branded FBOs and their regular customers.
Chris Pittman, an aircraft mechanic by trade, co-owns LaSill with buddy on and off the golf course, Bill Tipton, along with Pat Grills. Bill views his facility as a place where pilots, both military and civilian, can stop, put up their feet, refuel, and chat about their experiences in the air. And typically speaking, pilots like to talk about flying. They are passionate about aviation, love flying airplanes, and welcome the opportunity to share their experiences with others.
Special Forces and special stories
LaSill and its staff stood ready when Fort Sill needed refueling during a special operation. An English Army special operations force had landed in Oklahoma to test a Swedish radar system. The radar was carried on a Russian Aircraft to eventually be used in Afghanistan. During the operation a British officer shared his unbelievable family story.
His grandfather had flown in Battle of Britain. During an air combat, his granddad's plane was shot down. He was able to parachute to the ground below. Once his feet hit the ground, he proceeded to hop a train to London. That very same afternoon, he piloted another aircraft and joined his battalion to complete his mission.
"It was just about the most interesting story I had ever heard," said Chris. "That's what I love about my job. You never know what the day is going to bring. You never know whom you'll meet and the conversations you'll have. It's truly an honor to work in this environment surrounded by passionate pilots day in and day out."
Keeping customers' needs first and foremost
In addition to bringing together like-minded individuals, the FBO also offers beneficial Phillips 66-supported programs to their customers, including WingPoints®, the Phillips 66 Aviation rewards program. Next time you're in Lawton refueling at LaSill, pull up a chair, grab a complimentary cup of fresh-brewed coffee and introduce yourself to the pilot sitting nearby. You never know where the conversation will take you.