A lifelong aviation enthusiast who joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in 2007, Curt came to&nbsp;the publication&nbsp;from the broadcast industry where he was a national science and technology television reporter and producer. He writes on the FBO field, aviation finance, and sustainable aviation and occasionally contributes to&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;sister publication&nbsp;Business Jet Traveler. Curt was a member of the AINtv reporting staff that won the 2008 Aerospace Journalist of the Year award for Best Airshow Daily. That same year, he was a finalist for another AJOYA award. He earned an AJOYA for Best Business Aviation Submission in 2018 and was a finalist in that category in 2021. He received the National Air Transportation Association’s&nbsp; Aviation Journalist Award in 2012 and won a Pegasus Sapphire Business Aviation Award for outstanding journalism in 2021.
Before joining AIN, Curt worked with&nbsp;Consumer Reports’ television division, CRTV, and for several local television news staffs. An honors graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University in 1995. Curt lives in New York State with his wife and two young sons.

Senior Editor

Curt Epstein

Aviation holding company SAR Trilogy, which operates the Aero Center FBO chain, is expanding&nbsp;into the Atlanta market with its announcement of a definitive purchase agreement for family-owned Epps Aviation, a full-service FBO at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (KPDK).&nbsp;One of three service providers at KPDK&nbsp;and the only independent, Epps has been in operation for nearly 60 years, lead by Pat Epps&nbsp;and his three children.
The 18-acre facility, which will be rebranded as Aero Center-Epps Atlanta, includes a 7,000-sq-ft, two-story terminal with a passenger lobby, refreshment bar, pilot lounge with a snooze room and showers, flight-planning area, two conference rooms (seating 14 and eight, respectively), on-site customs clearance with advance notice, tenant offices, and concierge service. The FBO's 220,000 sq ft of hangar space can accommodate aircraft up to&nbsp;ultra-long-range business jets.
The purchase also includes Epps’s Part 135 aircraft charter certificate&nbsp;and Part 145 repair station and avionics shop, giving the Aero Center chain its first exposure in these areas. Aero Center&nbsp;operates FBOs at Florida’s Lakeland-Linder International Airport (KLAL) and in North Carolina at Wilmington International Airport with three other locations under development in Casper, Wyoming; Spokane, Washington;&nbsp;and Tallahassee, Florida. Epps is also a Pilatus Aircraft dealer. The transaction is expected to close within 45 days, pending necessary approvals.
“As we have been highlighting since we started Aero Center, the full-service FBO, the integrated FBO, is a smart FBO,” industry veteran and SAR Trilogy co-founder Michael Scheeringa told AIN, adding that the company believes in a balance of revenue streams. “We think that has more sustainability in the current environment than a fuel-only oriented FBO.”
Scheeringa noted the long history of the Epps FBO and explained that "we're going to be good stewards of the legacy." He said all 150 employees at the location will be retained&nbsp;and that Epps family members will assist with the transition over the next six months&nbsp;as a search for a new long-term general manager begins.
"We're flattered that they are keeping the name," said Elaine Epps, the company's marketing director. "We're thrilled that they are going to be taking the company into the future and grow it."

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Venerable Atlanta FBO Epps Aviation Is Being Sold to Aero Center Chain

Epps Aviation an FBO at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport has been sold to SAR Trilogy's Aero Center FBO chain after nearly 60 years of family ownership.

Epps Aviation and FBO at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport has been sold to SAR Trilogy's Aero Center FBO chain after nearly 60 years of family ownership.

Epps Aviation FBO Being Sold to Aero Center Chain

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Hong Kong-based group has established a new headquarters in Dubai

Sino Jet Supports Chinese Business Growth in the Gulf 

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Charter operator logged record flight hours over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend

FlyExclusive Hits Historic Highs With Holiday Travel

Peter Shaw-Smith

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Company says the Middle East is proving to be a rewarding market for its approach 

Jet Luxe Expands Private Charter and Ownership Options

Expansion grows footprint for both companies

SinoJet, Jetex Make Moves in Middle East

AmyWilder

Fractional owners can access fleet flexibility across aircraft

Jet.AI Launches Fractional Pre-sales for CJ4 Aircraft

Aimed at those flying 'three or more times per year'

FlyUSA Launches 'Freedom Jet Card'

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Partners announce joint software integration initiative

Leon and UAS Seek to Streamline Trip Management

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

In this article

Epps Aviation

More In Charter & Fractional