AOPA Services

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is general aviation's advocate and the largest, most influential aviation association in the world. Its membership of more than 414,000 comprises nearly two-thirds of all pilots in the United States. Visit and bookmark our Web site designed especially to serve the information needs of student pilots. All AOPA Flight Training members, including those with free six-month introductory memberships, have full access to AOPA's resources, including the members-only areas of AOPA Flight Training Online and AOPA Online.

Cheap fuel finder

How much does aviation fuel cost at your neighborhood airport? The price per gallon most likely has fluctuated over the past several months. You might be paying a little less now, but how long might that last?

Even if you rent an airplane wet--with fuel--you'll want to know whether fuel prices are trending up or down. A major increase could be reflected in a "fuel surcharge" tacked onto your hourly rental fee.

The next time you plan a cross-country or a $100 hamburger flight, let AOPA's Airport Directory Online (www.aopa.org/members/airports) help. You can find the lowest fuel prices within a radius of an airport, or by state. Just enter the three-digit airport identifier in the radius search field at the bottom of the airport directory search engine and choose the distance. You can also explore the prices in your state. You can specify the fuel type. The result will return airports within the defined parameters and show their reported fuel prices.

To see more detail, click on the airport identifier to access the airport and FBO features, including an expandable en-route map, current and forecast weather, and a handy kneeboard-size printout with local attractions. And, when you embark on an overnight trip, quickly book your destination hotel while you're looking for the best fuel deals. Just click on "Nearby hotels" on the airport detail page, and you will be able to select and reserve your favorite accommodation.

As cross-country flying becomes a more important part of your flying--and looking ahead to that time when you might become an airplane owner--you will benefit from regularly checking AOPA's frequently updated regional fuel map. Located on the directory search page, this map brings you the average fuel prices for each area.