Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I join a flying club?

So you have options. The first is renting. That is the least expensive if you fly less than about 20 hours per year, but the planes are often not available, you have to hope someone is at the airport to let you out to the aircraft, your rental rate is putting money in someone else's pocket, operators frown at multiple-day rentals, and rental fleets put a lot of time on their planes so they are often beat up and in the shop.

The second option is to buy an airplane. It is always available and you control the maintenance, but it can run you $20,000 a year and 100 hours of your time, all in, to own your own plane.

A flying club sits in the middle. We put around 200 hours on the airplane instead of 400 like a rental operation, so it is more available. Your dues and rates stay in the Club. Our Regular Members have ramp badges and aircraft access, so you do not depend on someone being there to let you out. We are a lot more flexible about multiple-day trips. And we have a social side, so you can build friendships and have easy access to safety pilots. Fixed costs and management hours are spread across all of our members, and we can negotiate discounts on some of those fixed costs. A club is also the cheapest option if you fly more than about 20 hours per year.

The Membership page works the numbers through for a member flying 50 hours a year.

Can I get out whenever I want?

The specifics are in the Operating Agreement, but the general idea is that after giving us 90 days' notice (which may be waived for proven financial hardship), you can sell your membership back to the Club for the amount of your contribution minus the "value of the club." The 90-day notice gives the Club time to adjust finances and try to find a new member.

Many clubs require you to sell your membership to a new member yourself, often leaving you stuck for years while the club goes out and recruits its own new members. We think we will attract and keep more members if they do not feel trapped in something they might not like.

Can student pilots join?

Yes, as Associate Members. Join at this reduced rate, learn from your fellow Club members, and become a Regular Member when you get your certificate. Family Student Pilots may use Club aircraft, but their use is limited per the Operating Agreement.

Can I use the airplane for commercial purposes?

Per the airport rules, no. However, you can use it for personal business as long as you are operating under Part 91.

How do I pay for fuel?

In Club aircraft, members are responsible for all fuel costs, including filling the tanks to one inch below the top (to avoid wasting fuel through expansion on hot days) for the next member. At CHO you can call the FBO, Signature Aviation, at 434-978-1474 for fuel and it will automatically be charged to the Club. The Treasurer matches the flight log to fuel bills at the end of the month and adds it to your bill.

What do I need in order to fly the Mooney?

See the Membership page for the full checkout requirements. In short: a private pilot certificate, a current medical, a Club instructor sign-off, and either 20 hours of retractable-gear time plus 5 hours in the Mooney, or 10 hours in the Mooney. You can receive instruction in the Mooney before meeting those minimums, including working on your instrument rating.