Fixed-base operator

[2] In many smaller airports serving general aviation in remote or modest communities, the town itself may provide fuel services and operate a basic FBO facility.

The traveling aviators offered airplane rides and aerobatic flight demonstrations frequently collaborating as "flying circuses" by performing impromptu airshows for the townsfolk and charging whatever the local economic conditions would allow.

General aviation FBOs (commonly in the U.S.) sometimes provide courtesy cars that can be used for free or little cost by flight crews mostly for short trips from the airport and the surrounding city area.

Larger and better equipped FBOs may additionally offer food vending and restaurant facilities, ground transportation arrangements by taxi/limousine, shuttle van, flight planning and weather information areas (computer- or telephone-based), rest lounges and showers, aviation supplies shop (selling navigation charts, manuals, or in-flight comfort items), access to in-flight catering, and accommodations reservations or concierge services for both crew and passengers through a customer service representative (CSR).

Within the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates some activities that may comprise an FBO such as the authorization of repair stations, flight training, and air taxi/air carrier services.