FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Answers on cost, the buy-in, aircraft, home base, instruction, and founding membership Still have a question? Email us
How much does it cost?
A one-time buy-in of about $5,000 (an equity share in the club), flat monthly dues of $150, and an estimated hourly wet-tach rate of $135/hr in the Cessna 172 or $195/hr in the Cessna 182 (or equivalent). You pay the hourly rate only for the hours you actually fly.
What's the buy-in, and can I get it back?
The buy-in is an equity share, which makes you a member of the club, giving you flying rights and voting rights (after the initial founding period is complete). When you leave, you get 90% of your buy-in refunded.
What aircraft will we fly?
We want to start with two aircraft:
- An affordable all-around airplane (think Cessna 172, Warrior, or Archer) for training and local flying, with at least a GPS and modest IFR capabilities. Target rate: $135 / wet tach hour.
- A more capable IFR traveler (think Cessna 182 or Dakota) with auto-pilot for longer trips. Target rate: $195 / wet tach hour.
From there we hope to grow to three or more aircraft, guided by which ones get flown the most and what members want.
Where will the club be based?
The home base is still tentative. Lincoln Park (N07) is the frontrunner — tie-down space is available there and it is central to our surveyed pilots — but we could end up at Lincoln Park (N07), Caldwell (CDW), or Morristown (MMU), or some mix as the club forms.
Do I need to be an instrument pilot?
No. Our aircraft are IFR-equipped and most members want IFR capability, but you do not need an instrument rating to join and fly VFR. Some privileges and aircraft may require specific ratings or experience.
Are student pilots accepted?
No. Unfortunately, the insurance and other requirements are significantly impacted by having student pilots in the club, so we are unable to accept any student pilots at this time. But we were all students once, and hope you will consider joining the club once you get your license. We want new, enthusiastic members in the club.
Can I train, or use my own CFI?
Yes — you can use the club planes to train for additional ratings and endorsements (high-performance, complex, instrument, commercial, even CFI / CFII), with any CFI of your choosing, whether or not they are a club member. A non-member CFI just needs to be covered by the club's insurance; the club keeps a list of insurance-covered instructors, and one who isn't on it yet can complete a club checkout to be added. You pay your instructor directly — the club is not part of that arrangement.
What's a founding member?
A founding member helps launch the club by committing more capital up front — a buy-in of $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 instead of the standard $5,000, or by significant "sweat equity" work to help get the club started. The amount above the standard buy-in is a refundable member loan or deposit that the club repays as it grows, bringing you back down toward the standard buy-in over time. In return, founding members hold the governing vote on major decisions during the club's founding period. Dues, hourly rates, and aircraft access are identical to every other member's — founding-member status is about governance, not better economics.
Is my money protected if I contribute extra as a founding member?
Yes. Any capital above the standard buy-in is structured as a documented, refundable loan to the club — not extra equity — with priority repayment as the club grows. Members who guarantee aircraft financing are also protected by club indemnification.
Who runs the club?
An elected board of members, with officers such as a president and treasurer handling day-to-day operations. Founding members have added say during the startup window; the club moves to standard one-member-one-vote governance as it stabilizes.
Is this a nonprofit?
Yes — the club is organized as a New Jersey nonprofit corporation and intends to operate as a 501(c)(7) tax-exempt social club. The final structure is pending professional review.
When do we start flying?
As soon as we have enough members to capitalize the club and buy the first airplane. Applying now is the fastest way to help make that happen sooner.
The plan
From founders to a full fleet.
The dates below are target dates, and will shift with how quickly the club comes together.
- 1
Fund & incorporate
July 2026
Founding members capitalize the club and we incorporate as a New Jersey nonprofit, organized as a 501(c)(7) social club.
- 2
Buy the first aircraft
July / August 2026
With money in the bank, we acquire the first airplane and get members checked out and flying.
- 3
Grow the membership
August – October 2026
We add members steadily, keeping the club active and the aircraft well-utilized without crowding the schedule.
- 4
Add the second aircraft
September – November 2026
Once the first plane is cash-flow positive (around 14 members), we add the second of our two starting aircraft.
- 5
Repay founders toward the standard buy-in
End of 2026 / early 2027
As the club grows, we repay founding members’ documented startup loans, bringing them back down toward the standard buy-in.
- 6
Add a third aircraft
2027
As membership passes roughly 30, a third airplane joins the fleet. Utilization of the first two planes, and surveying existing members, will tell us what kind of plane this should be.
Members wanted
Thinking about it? Apply now.
Every potential member should apply now — it doesn't matter whether you are able to be a founding member or a regular member. Once we know that we will have sufficient member buy-in, we will start the club and get our first plane.