FAQ'S |
Hill Flying Club Frequently Asks Questions (FAQs)
Q. How many members are in the Hill Flying Club? A. As of 6/7/2021, there are 82 dues paying members. The number of actively flying members fluctuates from approximately 45-55 during the winter to 55-65 during the summer. The Board of Directors strives to maintain a membership that keeps the aircraft flying, but not to the point that scheduling an aircraft is difficult. We have been successful in doing so. Of course, some times of the year are busier than others, but generally speaking, the Club aircraft are readily available for use.
Q. How much is it to join? How much are dues and aircraft rates? A. New memberships cost $5,000 which includes a $200 refundable deposit upon leaving the club. Ownership's are non-transferable. Monthly dues: $50 Aircraft rates: C-172SP $50 per tach hour dry C-172K $40 per tach hour dry C-182T $55 per tach hour dry
Q. How do I apply for membership? A. Your first step in applying for membership is to fill out the application that can be found on our website. This document can be filled out online, printed, and then either scanned and emailed or mailed to John Malmberg our club president or John Whitney our club treasurer. Please contact them once you have filled out the application for further steps on how to get them the application. We will then meet with you to make sure that you are a good fit with the club and that the club is a good fit for you. Once the decision is made to accept your application for membership, and once the new member fee is paid, your membership will be set up and you can start the checkout process. A welcome letter will be sent to you with instructions on how to proceed.
Q. Does the Club hold any meetings that I might attend to learn more about the Club? A. Yes. The Club holds two meetings a year, one in May and one in November. Additionally, the club holds an aircraft wash day in the spring and in the fall. Prospective members are welcome to attend any of our meetings to gain more information on the Club. Alternatively, any member of the Board can be contacted for information or to arrange to see the Club aircraft.
Q. Once a member, do I have any ownership in the aircraft? A. Yes. When joining the club, you are essentially buying a share in three aircraft and are considered to be an owner, not a renter. As such, members are expected to treat the aircraft accordingly.
Q. Can I sell my membership if I no longer wish to be a member? A. No. Memberships are not transferable. Upon resignation from the club, the $200 deposit will be refunded if you are in good standing with the club and all manuals and keys have been returned.
Q. I’m not a pilot but would like to learn to fly. Does the Club allow primary instruction?
A. No. The Club has a requirement in which requires you to have at a minimum a private pilots license. Once you have your private, you can buy into the club and continue your training within our aircraft to continue on with your ratings. A checkout must be done by one of our club instructors prior to being released to fly our aircraft.
Q. Is it acceptable to contact a mechanic if we have a write-up on one of the aircraft? A. No. Only the Board of Directors is allowed by the by-laws to financially obligate the club. If there is a problem with the aircraft, three things should occur: 1) First, you should contact a member of the board to report the problem, preferably the maintenance officer. Any work done on the aircraft must be approved/ arranged by the Board. 2) The write-up should be entered in the Squawk section of the aircraft’s book. 3) The write-up should be entered under the Squawk section of Schedule Master. At no time may a member financially obligate the club without approval of the Board of Directors.
Q. Who can check out members in club aircraft? A. Only a designated Club Instructor may perform aircraft checkouts, primary instruction, maintenance flights, and 90 day currency flights. Documentation evidencing each checkout must be forwarded to the Treasurer. It is important that Club Instructors introduce new members to scheduling procedures, bylaws, operating rules, and proper method of securing and cleaning aircraft.
Q. Can a member flight instructor instruct non-members in Club aircraft? A. No. It is clear violation of the Club bylaws, as well as our insurance policy, for a Club member to instruct non-members using Club aircraft. Members violating club bylaws can be fined, or expelled. Non-members are not allowed to fly club aircraft.
Q. Can a member receive instruction from a non-member flight instructor? A. The board of directors frowns on instruction from non-member flight instructors, but it is not prohibited. All aircraft checkouts, primary instruction, maintenance flights, and 90 day currency flights must be accomplished by designated Club Flight Instructors.
Q. How do I schedule a Club aircraft? A. Club aircraft can be scheduled via our online scheduling system or by phone using a 1-800 number. For local flights, schedules can be made up to 14 days in advance. For cross country flights, schedules can be made up to 30 days in advance.
Q. Is there a minimum cross country charge? A. Yes. Cross country flights will be charged one (1) hour per 24 hour period.
Q. Are there any limitations on how long I can take the aircraft out of town? A. The only requirement is that the cross country minimum be met. The Board does, however, expect members to be courteous of their fellow members. For example, it would be frowned upon if one member were to schedule an aircraft for every weekend during the busy summer months, essentially monopolizing the aircraft and not allowing others access to it.
If you have any questions that weren’t answered here, please contact a Board member and we’ll be happy to answer your questions. |