In naval aviation parlance, the term OK3 (the underline serving as a sort of exclamation point) indicates absolute perfection when grading an aircraft carrier landing, so it’s not surprising that former U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilot Nadim AbuHaidar selected OK3 Air as the name for his FBO when he acquired the former Wasatch Aero Services at Utah’s Heber Valley Airport (KHCR) 15 years ago. With fewer than one in 200 carrier landings receiving a grade of OK3, the name represents a constant reminder of the level of service the company aims to provide. “Our tagline, if you will, is professionalism, precision, and pride, so that ties into our customer service mentality,” he said. “This is a business that doesn’t lend itself to sloppiness.” Aviation is in AbuHaidar’s blood: his grandfather was Pan Am’s first aeronautical engineer, and his father founded cargo carrier Trans Mediterranean Airways.

A gateway to the Park City and Deer Valley ski resort area, KHCR is eight miles from the nearest gondola, and its 6,900-foot main runway was recently resurfaced. The FBO has an 8,000-sq-ft, two-story terminal with a passenger lobby, 10-seat A/V-equipped conference room, business center, on-site car rental, pilot lounge/snooze room, flight-planning room, shower facilities, and crew cars. Reflecting its owner’s military background, an additional pilot dining/recreation area on the second floor is decorated as an officer’s club/pilot ready room, complete with dart board, pinball machine, TV, squadron memorabilia, and even an authentic chair from an aircraft carrier ready room. As it rolls out the welcome mat, the FBO favors arriving guests with gift boxes of goodies from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, while crews can participate in the FBO’s own pilot incentive program. As they make purchases of services or fuel, they can select OK3 Air apparel from the company shop.