So I flew into Cutter in my more-than-humble 1947 Ercoupe and parked next to a Lear. Yikes! But you know what? The staff treated me like a king! They literally brought out the red carpet (but then didn't know where to put it because Ercoupes don't have obvious doors if you've never seen one before). It was a hot day, and my teenage son appreciated being handed a bottle of cold water right off the bat. The linemen--and linewoman--were helpful and friendly, as was the front desk staff both in the evening and the following morning. It didn't faze anyone that I only needed a few gallons of gas, and they found hangar space for me for the night, including locating a cord for my pre-heater. The next morning my plane was on the line and ready for me right at the requested time. The facilities are very good, with every thing you could want, with fast Internet and comfy chairs; but I found it was the Cutter people who really made the difference. They were extraordinary.

Great experience at Cutter Aviation ABQ on Friday August 12th. Radioed ahead to request fuel and a car to grab lunch and pick up our passengers in the area. Jim had the car ready and we were on our way in a few short minutes. Upon our return the correct amount of fuel had been dispensed, cold water bottles were offered along with the AOPA discount on Avgas and we were on our way. Ramp fee waived with the 20 gal minimum purchase. Jim and Cutter made this a very smooth trip and got us out on schedule and home to Spicewood, TX before dark. Thanks! We will be back!

I just wanted to let all my friends at Cutter Aviation know that I am retiring from professional flying. Appropriately, I finished my last flight, arriving at Cutter in an Eclipse the night of February 2, 2019.

I have been a licensed pilot for 64 years and have flown in the military and as a professional pilot for 59 years, and now it’s time that I spend a little more time with my wife of 59 years. It’s been a “great ride,” because I love flying, and because of all the great people I have known and worked with in aviation.

In particular, I want you and all the employees at Cutter to know how much I appreciate your professionalism and friendship. Please pass on my personal thanks for their making my time in aviation in Albuquerque most enjoyable. As the saying goes, they have made “the worst day of flying better than the best day of real work.”

While I’m retiring from professional flying, I will not be gone. You will still see me around the airport in my Mooney!