More than 60 Clay Lacy Aviation line service technicians have completed Gulfstream-authorised ground handling and service training for Gulfstream aircraft. The specialised training developed by the OEM and FlightSafety International is designed to improve dispatch reliability and increase safety.

Sixty six technicians across Clay Lacy Aviation's FBOs in Van Nuys and Orange County in California have completed the courses, with training for technicians at its Waterbury-Oxford, Connecticut FBO, opening later this year, to follow.

"Comprehensive training demonstrates Clay Lacy Aviation's commitment to providing a legendary experience and safety-focused culture at our FBOs," says senior vice president of FBO services Buddy Blackburn. "When our newest FBO opens this year in Connecticut our technicians will be similarly trained, to ensure that the continuity of excellence that is expected will be delivered throughout all of our properties."

The Gulfstream-FlightSafety programme features explanations and demonstrations of best practices for handling and servicing the full range of Gulfstream aircraft. It includes parking, walkarounds, fuelling, towing, snow and ice removal. The training helps identify and mitigate risks to people and aircraft on the ramp.

The training continues a company-wide approach to a culture of safety promotion, as recently demonstrated by its validation that placed Clay Lacy in the top two per cent of Part 135 operators in the US to complete the FAA SMS Voluntary Program.

Clay Lacy Aviation currently operates two FBOs, both part of World Fuel's Air Elite and Paragon Aviation Group networks, with experienced teams at Van Nuys airport and John Wayne Orange County airport. Its first FBO in the US northeast is scheduled to open this year at Waterbury-Oxford airport in Connecticut. All Clay Lacy FBOs provide sustainable aviation fuel, utilise renewable energy, provide composting and recycling waste management systems, and have been certified facilities neutral by 4Air since 2019.

Its Waterbury-Oxford FBO is ideally located between the New York and Boston metropolitan areas and will feature 120,000sq ft of hangar capacity and 15,000sq ft of FBO and office. Hangar space is going fast, with a few spots still available.

The hangars are designed and built to accommodate today's largest and most modern business jets, including the Gulfstream G700, Global 7500 and Falcon 10X, with 29ft hangar doors, enhanced amenities and covered automobile parking.