Staff Writer
FORT FAIRFIELD – Phil Curtis isn’t afraid to get his hands covered in grease.
The owner of Curtis Auto Airplane Repair & Sales, Inc. (CAARS), located in Fort Fairfield, officially opened May 8. “We do all automotive repair … oil changes, mufflers, exhausts and more for both cars and trucks,” said Curtis. “One of our main functions is offering a quick lube service … oil change, lube service, grease and we check everything out. You’re in and out in less than 20 minutes.”
An aircraft mechanic for 21 years, Curtis said he recently got laid off and decided to go into business for himself.
“I knew I didn’t want to move,” he said, “so this is what I decided to do.”
Curtis said when looking for a place to set up shop, he initially was considering a different location.
“Then this one came up, it was empty and vacant, so I bought it,” he said. “I’m right on the corner, so the visibility is great.”
In addition to all the under-the-hood work, Curtis has a new tire machine and balancer.
“We also have new lifts … all new, state-of-the-art equipment,” he said. “My tire machine does aluminum rims … it won’t damage aluminum like a lot of tire changers will.”
A native of Easton, Curtis moved to Fort Fairfield nine years ago.
“I grew up on a farm,” he said, “so I learned how to fix things there. My first job in the auto industry was doing transmission overhauls, cars, trucks and even foreign cars.
“I was watching TV one day and this ad came on for Colorado Aero Tech, an aviation school,” said Curtis. “I decided to try it and signed up. It was a year-and-a-half course, so I went out to Broomfield, Colo. It was 1,920 hours of all aspects of the airplane, plus three written tests and a practical test.”
Though he doesn’t expect to repair a lot of airplanes, Curtis does keep his aircraft mechanic license current.
Curtis said customer service is his top priority.
“I believe our experience sets us apart,” he said. “We keep our hourly and inventory rate down which keeps our overhead down, which enables us to supply a good, strong relationship with the people in the community.
“Every time I have a customer,” said Curtis, “I call them up the next day to see how things are going. It’s those little extras that people appreciate.”
CAARS employs two full-time and one part-time workers.
“Terry Donovan is my lead technician,” said Curtis, “and my son, Karl, also works alongside me.”
Located at 359 Main St. in Fort Fairfield, CAARS is open from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m.-noon Saturday. To schedule an appointment, call 472-3500 or 227-4595.
