That's great Zane. I have a warm spot in my heart for the Aviat folk, as I utilize their remote opened power gate when I land on the north end of the runway at Afton (actually, at my own risk of course, I land in the grass along side the runway, carefully avoiding the few obstructions, lights etc., they have a grass strip there but it's clear the hell to the south end and too far to taxi). This LZ puts me 100' away from the gate, and as I already have the freq dialed into the radio, the gate is already opening and I then have a short taxi that ends behind a mechanic (cars/trucks, never met the people, usually Sunday when I go, so they're closed) shop with a large vacant lot. This lot is cheek by jowl to the Aviat tie down ramp, like 50' away.
I claim grandfather privileges in doing this, as I've been flying to Afton (or Alpine) for breakfast for going on 40 years, long before they built the new Afton strip and closed the old one. But then, I noticed the auto gate with a sign telling what freq opens it, and no KEEP THE HELL OUT verbiage after it, so in I went, and back into my old parking spot of the last few decades. Either they don't care, or haven't noticed (nah, they've noticed) but they seem to have no issues with me doing this. I make real sure I am not in the way, obviously. Nonetheless, the fact that I am able to do this tells you a lot about the company policy there, GOOD. Maybe the next time I taxi in there I'll see signs with "exclusive use of Aviat plant planes, stay out", and then some crap about liability and lawyers etc., but so far so good. Plus, they make real good airplanes
For those that find themselves in Afton, and without my grandfather'd privileges, ask FBO Mark to use the loaner car, which is kind of a pisser as the cafe is real close but now due to all the fencing, you can't walk direct to it anymore and have to go clear around.
