New flying club benefits, resources available

A suite of new benefits and tools now available to flying clubs, the association announced Dec. 3.

AOPA is making it easier than ever for pilots to find their ideal flying club. The newly updated AOPA Flying Club Finder offers new filters to let pilots search for exactly the kind of club and amenities they want. From flight training to tailwheels or light sport aircraft, the new AOPA Flying Club Finder offers sophisticated search functions and a newly updated interactive map feature so pilots can quickly identify and connect with the best clubs in their area. Anyone can use the Flying Club Finder, and there’s no fee to list a club. As an added benefit, AOPA Flying Club Network members receive premium listings.

For those who want to start a flying club or grow an existing one, AOPA also announced a new resource library with detailed information about starting and operating a flying club. The library breaks down the sometimes overwhelming process into clear, manageable steps that correspond to AOPA’s new “Checklist for Starting a Flying Club.” In addition to step-by-step guidance for creating a successful club, the library includes sample bylaws, articles of incorporation, lease agreements, and other useful documents.

The AOPA Flying Club Network is part of AOPA’s collection of You Can Fly initiatives designed to get people flying and keep them flying, and it is supported by donations to the AOPA Foundation. Together with other You Can Fly programs such as the AOPA Flight Training Initiative, AOPA High School Initiative, and Rusty Pilots seminars, the AOPA Flying Club Network makes general aviation more accessible and affordable.

Joining the AOPA Flying Club Network is free, and clubs can sign up online.

“We are 100 percent committed to welcoming newcomers into aviation and keeping today’s pilots in the air,” said Katie Pribyl, AOPA senior vice president in charge of the You Can Fly programs. “That’s why we’re investing in the resources, tools, and innovations to make flying easier, more fun, and more affordable.”

In 2015 alone, AOPA’s You Can Fly programs have helped launch ten new flying clubs, welcomed more than 3,200 lapsed pilots back into flying, hosted 97 Rusty Pilots seminars, honored the nation’s best flight instructors and schools, and brought together educators from across the country to cooperate on bringing aviation education into high schools nationwide.