As a prospective member of the 150th Aero Flying Club, you probably have many questions about the Club and its operations. These FAQs will, hopefully, answer most of those questions and perhaps some you didn’t think of. Keep in mind that the Club has a Constitution and a set of By-Laws plus Operating Instructions (OIs) to cover all the details. The Club, however, runs largely on the basis of common sense and consideration for fellow club members. The above mentioned documents are available for examination from any current member and all new members receive a complete set when they join.
Q:Does the Club accept student pilots?
The Club does not accept student pilots or zero-time pilots. Members may use Club instructors or any other certified flight instructor with prior approval from the Board.
Q: How much does it cost to join?
The Club has a non-refundable initiation fee of $700. In addition, a new member is required to pay a bond share deposit, refundable upon resignation in good standing, presently set at $2,400, and a non-refundable Incident / Damage Fund Fee of $150.
Q: What are the recurring costs of membership like dues and fees?
Members pay monthly dues currently set at $95 per month. Additional fees to replenish the Incident / Damage Fund may also be assessed to members and will vary from year to year.
Q: How is flight time calculated?
All rates are wet and based on tachometer time. The current rate for our four 172SP’s is $155 / tach hour with a minimum of one hour.
A statement reflecting all dues, fees, flying charges, and payments posted is issued at the beginning of each month, and all balances are due on or before the 20th of that month.
Q: Are there any additional assessments?
Although the Constitution permits assessments, in 37 years there has been only one – for $30. Our dues and flying rates are structured to keep the Club solvent.
Q: What insurance coverage do I have as a Club member?
Each member, together with the Club itself, is covered by a Club policy for $1,000,000 of liability, including $100,000 per passenger seat. In addition, hull insurance for the full value of each aircraft is carried (with a $1,000 deductible). If you rent aircraft from an FBO and were to purchase similar coverage for your own protection, the premiums would likely cost about the same as or more than monthly dues for the Club. Hull coverage is the expensive part of most policies.
Q: Can I fly at night or in actual IFR conditions?
There are no restrictions for night or “wet” IFR flight as long as the pilot is suitably rated, satisfies currency requirements as defined in the FARs, and has had a Club night checkride.
Q: Can land on grass or other unpaved surfaces?
Our insurance requires all landings to be on paved runways, unless there is an emergency.
Q: Can I take Club aircraft on weekend or vacation trips?
The Club reservation policy is quite liberal and permits trips of up to 14 days (limited to two consecutive weekends, or part thereof, on a single trip).
Q: How about meetings and social activities?
Meetings are typically held on the third Thursday of each month, at 7:30 pm. The Club does not meet in July or August. These months are summer break. The December meeting is held on the second, rather than the third, Thursday. At this meeting, Club Officers are elected for the following year. Wash parties and scheduled periods of care and upkeep of the aircraft also provide opportunities for members to get together on a regular and informal basis.
Q: How do I reserve an aircraft?
The Club is currently using an automated, web-based reservation system. Available 24 hours a day, members can use the system to make reservations, check on aircraft availability, and pick up or leave messages for other members of the Club. Four future reservations (one of up to two weeks, two on weekends) are permitted at any one time. Reservation procedures are spelled out in detail in the Club Operating Instructions (OIs).
Q: What else is required of members beyond dues and flying charges?
The entire operation of the Club is run with volunteer effort and, consequently. every member is provided with the opportunity to participate in non-flying endeavors. The Club prides itself on having a knowledgeable and informed membership and this is due, in part, to regular participation in the care and upkeep of the aircraft.
Q: How do I apply for membership?
Contact the Club’s Vice President / Membership Officer, or use our Online Application to request more information and start the application process.