Airline Pilot Missing GA Flying
Posted by Efficient_Gift_6834@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 115 comments
Hey yall! I’m currently a 737 CA for a US 121 and I miss general aviation like crazy. My buddy took me up in a 172 the other day on an overnight and there’s something freeing about being able to hop in an airplane and go wherever you, and do whatever you want. I miss it, but don’t enjoy the idea of owning one as it’s just a money pit. I’ve thought of CFIing again on the side as well, but I don’t want to take the job of a CFI trying to get their hours.
Anyone here part of a flight club? One where you have share of the airplane and pay a monthly fee then only pay for fuel or tac or whatever else? Is it worth it? Cost breakdown between owning yourself vs a club? Thanks!
fremdo@reddit
If you’re in the Chicago area check out our club! flylewis.com
Appropriate-Topic-30@reddit
It's not a money pit. It's just an expense. If you love it- do you love it more than other hobbies? I own a 73 177rg and my costs (including loan) are under $20k a year
22Planeguy@reddit
I think being a CFI that instructs a few times a month is probably not going to cut into an hour-building young CFI. If you're worried about it, set your rates higher than the local average and you'll steal fewer flights, and you might get more of the older, wealthier students that don't fly quite as frequently.
Least-Scar8294@reddit
I hate the logic of “cutting into time building CFIs”
If you have the certificate, are the better pilot (in this case this guy supposedly is as he’s an airline pilot), and are a current instructor, go for it.
kgramp@reddit
I’m in a non-equity club. $1000 refundable deposit. $130 a month. Pay by Hobbs. $90 for Cherokee, $110 172S, $170 PA-32. Great availability. Scheduling trips isn’t a hassle.
the_meat_servo@reddit
Wow that actually sounds ideal
LikenSlayer@reddit
I still do some GA on the side. Also, I happened to buy my son a light sport aircraft to build time.
It's a Pipersport Sportscruiser. With rotax 912ULS, cost me 75k, in great condition with 2 axis auto pilot. Fuel burn is 3.8-5gpa max. Oil change every 50hrs cost 360-415.
Annual was 700. Insurance came out to 79/month with brand new hanger at 500 a month. Or can do tiedown for 150/month. We like the extra space in the hanger to park our car, fridge & pool tablen sofas. There's nothing like being able to fly for 6 hours for less than 130 bucks. Maintenance is very minimal since we aren't utilizing it for training.
Not to mention current aircraft that are selling similar to mine now with 1500hr more on the airframe going for 90k-125. We still have plenty of time before TBO
Junior-Special5159@reddit
you really hate to see people living your dream /s
man that’s goals right there
Efficient_Gift_6834@reddit (OP)
This is my second option. I would need something with decent power living in Colorado, preferably 4 seats. Would absolutely LOVE a sling high wing but that’s way out the price range lol. Still thinking. Appreciate it
BrtFrkwr@reddit
I missed it too. Joined CAP to maybe get some light aircraft flying. Big mistake. Haven't seen an organization so paralyzed by it's own rules since the Army.
Mazer1415@reddit
I’ve considered it. Haven’t flown GA for so long I wouldn’t be comfortable solo without some more hours under my belt. Last flit was 3 years ago. Trued flaring a 172 like a CRJ. My first attempt at a landing became a go around. I let the instructor have the next one.
Efficient_Gift_6834@reddit (OP)
Good to hear this, thought about joining CAP too, but I’ve heard so many terrible things about it
GingerB237@reddit
It does depends, but it’s not going to give you the freedom you desire.
Prior_Ad1855@reddit
I joined it, became a CFI and honestly don’t want to do anything because of the nightmare of the paperwork and constant check flights and micro-management
NDBlover@reddit
What I have found, it is very wing dependent, I was in CAP for a couple years and for awhile it was really good and they encouraged the planes getting flown,eventually leadership changed and it went downhill making me have no interest in being involved in it anymore, one perk was getting the highest foreflight subscription for free
Attackpilsung@reddit
CAP completely depends on the local squadron. I get a lot of good deals due to my experience level.
However, there are a lot of CAP units I would never be associated with. The bureaucracy is painful, but doable after you learn to play the system.
Flying for free is still free. I trust the maintenance program more than an FBO rental.
Go look up a local glider club. It is the cheapest way to scratch the GA itch and is a LOT of fun.
BrtFrkwr@reddit
Well, there are a lot of good people there. They hyper organization though, will drive you crazy. But in a way its necessary because there are a lot of low time pilots there and they need a lot of supervision. It can be a lot of fun.
LawManActual@reddit
I mean, in fairness I think you joined for the wrong reason. I’m certainly not a long time member, and definitely not an apologist, but this comes up a lot. I have “the talk” with all the prospective members that are pilots I meet that it’s not a flying a club. If you’re joining just to fly, it’s not the place for you, and that’s okay.
For all its flaws, and there are MANY, it’s a volunteer organization that involves some flying in some of what they do. If you have no connection to, or drive to be involved with anything else they do, you were never going to mesh, and that’s not a negative thing said about you or the organization.
BrtFrkwr@reddit
I was there for many years, and no, I didn't join for the wrong reasons. My criticisms aren't a quick reaction to disappointment, but are well though out.
LawManActual@reddit
That may the case, but you said you joined to “maybe get some light aircraft time” which is 100% the wrong reason to join, and what I was responding to.
cptnpiccard@reddit
Tried joining them too. Went to 4 meetings over 4 months. At the end, I had a half filled out form, three people who didn't know they were supposed to sign it, and $50 spent on getting my fingerprints. When I didn't show up the next month, I got an email "where were you". I was home, not wasting my time with you clowns. I read on Reddit that CAP is adults role-playing Air Force and it's 100000% that. It's an utter joke.
BrtFrkwr@reddit
Each squadron is different. Some are pretty slapdash about recruiting new members and it all depends on the leadership, which can be spotty. .Some are very good.
nolaflygirl@reddit
Fill us in. I was gonna do that too. What's the problem re rules, etc.
Drag0nFly17@reddit
Had a friend that was an F-16 pilot in the Guard. And also volunteered in the CAP.
Said it was more of hassle and paperwork to take up the CAP 182 than the F-16
BrtFrkwr@reddit
The paperwork and procedures in CAP are dictated by the Air Force. It's a relationship that I think doesn't do the CAP a lot of good except that CAP is the designated SAR arm when AF is tasked with searching for civilian aircraft. Some squadrons make a big deal of being "Air Force Auxiliary" and lose sight of their name being Civil. Also, they do some drug interdiction flights despite being prohibited by their charter from doing law enforcement. One of the reasons I left was it was getting a little too cop-y and militaristic for my taste. I did my military and don't need to do it again.
Canikfan434@reddit
I started flying in the late 80s. Rental rates seemed more reasonable then, but when marriage and kids came along I hung up the headset, saying I’ll get back into it at some point. A few years ago I got the itch, and it was like pulling teeth getting the FBO to tell me what the hourly rate was for their 172s. Eventually it came out- $140/hour. I asked if they were serious-they were. I chuckled, wished them luck, and hung up. They’ve since gone under. Since then, I’ve seen early 70s vintage 172s renting for $175 and $185/hr. Absolutely asinine IMO. GA seems to be getting farther and farther out of reach.
Flying21811@reddit
I fly almost everyday I’m not flying for work. Some people think I’m a loser but I love flying GA. Makes me a great stick and rudder pilot. Planes are not as out of reach as you think. Make friends with a mechanic and get a nice 10-15 year loan on the airplane. This is all possible if you’re in a LCOL area.
StructureOver9800@reddit
What state?
Not-A-Pickle1@reddit
I’m in one. I’m not even a student pilot yet lol but I can pretty much reserve a plane and take it wherever. There are some rules that you have to follow but not a big deal. Once I get my PPL, I will be taking the plane VERY often
AccountantNo9690@reddit
I’ll trade ya my student pilot card
Double-Ad9382@reddit
I’ll raise the ante with my PPL card!
Purpletech@reddit
I'll double down with my PPL w/ a 107.
imblegen@reddit
I’ll go all in
Mazer1415@reddit
I’d swap my Bus type, but I’m not crazy.
ChAirForceK@reddit
Depends on where you are, joining club can be a great idea. My club in FL charges 90-120 dollars per tach hour for C182 and C172. Since I’m getting HP endorsement, I’m also paying for CFI though.
phxcobraz@reddit
My suggestion is if you think you will fly a lot, use it for trips frequently, etc, then just buy an airplane, something faster than a trainer. Mooney, Bonanza, etc.
If you want that flexibility, but want to reduce the costs some, go into a partnership with someone else. 2 people to a plane makes access a lot easier than a flight club with 2-3 planes and 50 members.
MeanwhileInSovietRus@reddit
Flying clubs are great, I’d highly recommend joining one(I’m sure there’s one local to you). Please be careful as you get back into GA. The last airline pilot(also a 737 captain) we had in my club took our 172 and porpoised it so hard that he totaled the airplane, on his first solo flight too.
Impossible-Meet1724@reddit
Did he jeopardise his ATPL with that accident?
Rainebowraine123@reddit
Contrary to the belief of this subreddit, having an accident does not ruin careers. The pilots of the Endeavor accident in Toronto are still here.
MeanwhileInSovietRus@reddit
I’m not sure what happened after that. He left the club pretty much immediately and we’ve spent the last 5 months trying to clean up the mess it caused.
Efficient_Gift_6834@reddit (OP)
I just got current in a 172 again with my CFI buddy. Did perfect landing in gusting 17 and even got my power off 180 on my second try (first one made the runway just not the spot) Still got it! lol
PullinPitchonTwitch@reddit
My wife gets access to a small plane through the local flying club. They take care of maintenance and insurance and she essentially rents it.
DatBeigeBoy@reddit
Oh yeah dude. I miss GA. Just can’t afford it. I’d love to become a DPE and give back to my community and help the affordability problem, but that’ll take years.
equal2infinity@reddit
Non-equity club sounds like a good option for you. My last club was $400mo. dues and they had 172/182’s between $125 and $175 wet per hr. Something like an SR22 would probably be $300-$500hr. neighborhood.
valspare@reddit
Damn. Calculating those rates based off of 100 hrs/yr, that's ~$22K-$45K annually.
That RV or some other experimental doesn't sound so bad now.
ben_makes_stuff@reddit
I'm a student for now just dreaming about owning an airplane, and I came to the same conclusion you did.
Clubs don't really seem worth it at all unless you're not flying with any degree of regularity, which seems like a problem in itself for safety/skill decay reasons.
I mean, 100h/y is only \~1.9h hours per week which I feel like most people will meet or exceed (?) if they're at all interested in flying, but hey, what do I know?
It seems much more worth it to me to buy a "reasonable" (at least as far as airplane purchases go) and fuel efficient airplane like a Cessna 150 for about the same price and have it pay for itself in a year or two.
Fast-Government-4366@reddit
I’m on the board of a club, about 60% of the club doesn’t even fly once a month. The vast vast majority don’t come anywhere close to 1.9 hours a month, even the ones who fly once a month.
ben_makes_stuff@reddit
Don't you think there's some friction there that directly skews those figures though?
Every time you think about going flying, you also have to think about the fact that the club is charging you a per-hour rate to rent the plane plus fuel costs, and you have to book time on the schedule.
I imagine that causes people to fly less often than they otherwise would.
Fast-Government-4366@reddit
That applies to every situation with an airplane though. I’d argue when you own the plane, the more you fly the closer you get to a huge bill, and that’s inevitable.
It doesn’t matter what happens when I go up, it costs $115, $125 or $155 wet depending on which plane I take.
And scheduling the flight is no different than checking the weather for a flight.
ben_makes_stuff@reddit
Right, paying a flat $155/h is consistent vs. whatever the costs are on your own plane.
I'm not arguing about the consistency there, I'm saying that I can see it being psychologically more annoying to get dinged on the rental fee every time you go fly.
Sure, scheduling a flight when sharing a plane with some unknown number of other members is also unpredictable like the weather.
But again, it's yet another layer of unpredictability that needs to be added on top of the weather - not as a replacement or something.
Fast-Government-4366@reddit
From the owners I know, it doesn’t seem much different. I even know 2-3 in the club who sold their planes and now fly more then they ever did. When you don’t have a 20-30k item coming up, mentally it’s a lot easier to stomach flying.
Ofc, unless you’re absurdly rich and can just afford that without issue.
equal2infinity@reddit
The club is more predictable because your all-in costs are known, unlike ownership. Most of the low utilization pilots just want access to a plane to go beat around the sky on a VFR day.
ben_makes_stuff@reddit
Costs are definitely more predictable since it's a flat rate per hour, but I'd argue uptime isn't with the additional layer of scheduling.
Most of the clubs in my area (NYC) have only 1-2 planes that are shared between about 60 members, and a deposit in the thousands of dollars range + waitlist + dues to pay each month to even join the club.
I think there's something slightly more psychologically difficult about getting dinged every time you want to go flying even if it's less money upfront.
THevil30@reddit
I should just reply to this to say that the average GA pilot flies something like 40 hours a year.
ben_makes_stuff@reddit
That's surprising to me - I figured it would skew higher for people in GA. I don't think I'd be able to maintain my skills with less than an hour per week of flying (and frankly it wouldn't be worth the commute either, the closest GA friendly airport is about 45m from me)
THevil30@reddit
Yeah I work pretty hard to fly regularly and I probably hit high 80s per year. And that’s with scheduling a flight for almost every weekend (though, many fall through). As a hobby pilot, it’s hard to pitch the wife on “I’ll be gone for 5+ hours” regularly when you have kids at home and work during the week.
ben_makes_stuff@reddit
Haha, fair enough. Family first. I don't have a wife or any kids that I know about so I'll enjoy the freedom while I have it!
equal2infinity@reddit
The club is a great way to dip your toe into GA before taking the plunge into ownership. I went into the club thinking a 182 was my end goal. After flying one for a few years I realized I wanted more. It’s nice to be around other experienced pilots that were happy to go flying and teach you things.
The downsides were low availability and idiot pilots breaking the planes. Overall I had a great experience.
ben_makes_stuff@reddit
Fair point. It's something I'll consider - I'm taking lessons at a school that also offers rentals and they've got a number of aircraft that I could rent after I get my PPL.
Many 152s, even more 172s, and one 182 along with several Piper Cherokees, Warriors, etc
equal2infinity@reddit
Yeah I ended up buying a bonanza because I needed aircraft availability. I was spending about $20k per yr in the club and I’m closer to $40-50k now, not including capital costs.
One thing people don’t take into account are things like hangar availability. Do you really want your baby sitting outside in the weather? In my area there’s a 5-10yr waitlist on hangars.
nolaflygirl@reddit
That's when you need an airpark w/ a hangar next to your house, like a garage. And runway is at your back door. An A&P friend of mine has that.
valspare@reddit
Aviation is expensive no doubt. But there's a difference between reasonably expensive, unreasonably expensive, and ridiculously expensive.
There's no way I'm spending $50K annually on general aviation. Unless it's some corporate write off that I benefit from or I've figured out a way to make it pay for itself.
equal2infinity@reddit
GA availability is getting further from the middle class every year. Luckily I make good money and have a business that helps me pay for it.
KITTYONFYRE@reddit
with a 400/mo buy in, those rates kind of suck to be honest
Inevitable_Mix_455@reddit
Are those rates hobbs or tach?
equal2infinity@reddit
I think it varied by plane because some didn’t have Hobbs. Overall very reasonable rates.
Tman3355@reddit
73 FO just getting back into it as well. Im looking to buy a plane. Yeah it's a money pit but eh can always pick up another trip.
Join your local EAA chapter and start making some contacts that are in your area they can point you to any local clubs or people looking for partners.
I recently got my tailwheel endoresment just for fun and to also get back into the fun flying of GA. So many things I had forgotten about or hadn't thought about in years, plus the challenge of learning something new.
Fast-Government-4366@reddit
Flying clubs are so worth it imo. Especially if you’re wanting to fly for fun
Abides_247@reddit
737 left seater here. Find a flight club that has good scheduling and not too busy. I am in a flight club that gets super busy during the summer and the only time the planes are available are at 1pm on a summer day unless you are Johnny on the Spot when scheduling opens. Scheduling was the most annoying thing.
It took about 3 flights to get checked out and feel somewhat comfortable back in a 172 after 15 years of being out of GA. Landings are the hardest. Don’t even think about a 15 knot x wind in a 737 but in a C172 it can suck. Also, don’t need to get on the brakes right away in 172….I forgot about that haha.
Milktoast27@reddit
What does being 737 captain have to do with it? Is a 737 captain different than a 121 fo or airbus captain trying to get back into ga?
Shrekbotz@reddit
I think OP mentioned their current job as a reference. I’m sure there are plenty of CA and FO who would enjoy a GA flight every now and then. Pilots love to talk about themselves, if I had a 737 type I promise you the world would know.
Milktoast27@reddit
Thats my point. He obviously is a guy who wants the world to know. “Airline pilot going back into ga does the same thing.”
Cessnateur@reddit
I see nothing in any of OP's posts that suggests this.
akidwhocantreadgood@reddit
It doesn’t, but including a bit of biographical context is perfectly reasonable.
What does your inquiry have to do with the post? Are you actually adding meaningfully to the discussion? Or are you just having fun being a condescending quibbler?
Frosty_Piece7098@reddit
I enjoy flying when there is a mission behind it. I love fishing, hunting, and getting out in the wilderness so I own a cub. Aside from acquisition cost and the eventual overhaul, it’s pretty economical to operate. Even the overhaul if I go hard on double time for a month or 2 it will just about pay for it.
No ex wives or mistresses so I have to find something to burn my money. And fishing a fly in spot like a gravel bar or backcountry strip with almost no fishing pressure and nobody else on the river is magical.
twolfhawk@reddit
You are the kind of cfi I want.
lawyer1911@reddit
Hi I am not a professional pilot but was a member of flying groups in Chicago and Atlanta. Great people and well organized but I gave up after a while because getting a plane on my schedule was too hard. I suggest you make plane availability part of your criteria.
DeltaTule@reddit
They aren’t as bad as a money pit as most people think when you own a well maintained 150 HP. GA plane. Especially as a 73 CA.
At the very least you can own a share of a plane nowadays. Which unless you want to commute in your plane to work that requires lots of overnights for the plane while you’re gone then it’s a great fit. Other than again needing to overnight it a lot if you want to do trips. Unless it’s like a 1/2 share and the other guy is your friend and doesn’t fly it much.
Shares are great for most people because they don’t fly it enough to justify it because it literally rots when not flown regularly. I own outright but I commute to work in it most weeks so that’s how I justify it.
Pleasant-Listen5588@reddit
I own and my monthly fixed rate is about $600 a month. Ive spent a little more than planned so far but its nice. Its unmatched.
Warrior_witha_Garden@reddit
You have will have a ton of time and money after you retire. The planes aren’t changing except getting more expensive.
Ramrod489@reddit
I’m a 121 FO and I still CFI as a hobby at a friend’s pt 61 mom-n-pop. I find it very rewarding! I stick to doing initial CFI and CFII though, as they’re mostly ground instruction, I can send my students up with junior CFI’s for the right seat proficiency, and I also don’t want to take hours from the younger folks.
awkwarddachshund@reddit
I'll happily trade you if you would like.
Dinosaur_Wrangler@reddit
Have you considered just moving to base and being a premium/greenslip/OT whore?
You'll fly so much doing that you'll wretch if you think of flying in your free time, and you'll finally have enough to own the piston single and pay for the maintenance without thinking about it.
CarminSanDiego@reddit
You’re one of those pilots pilot. the last thing I want to do is fly airplanes or even think about them on my off time.
Efficient_Gift_6834@reddit (OP)
We used to dream of the job we have right now. Used to smile and giggle as a kid wishing I did what I did right now. If a day comes I no longer feel that way or don’t think it’s cool anymore, it’s time to retire. I’m sorry and sad you feel that way man.
Used_Rutabaga_9119@reddit
Geez dude, just buy a plane, start a flying club and benefit from having the ability. Set it up, and it’ll run itself. Seems simple on this side.
Cfi’ing and cap’ing and renting don’t scratch the itch- I need to land dirt and grass and sleep under the wing.
stuck_inmissouri@reddit
There are a ton of really nice aircraft out there for not much more than a luxury car. Anything outside of the training world has seen its price come back down to reality in the last couple years. 172s and archers are still stupid high though.
saxmanB737@reddit
I’m thinking the exact same thing, also a left seat 737 driver. I just haven’t touched a GA plane since 2009. There’s a club 5 minutes from my house at a pretty busy GA airport. I can’t seem to pull the trigger yet. I know I’m going to need quite a bit of instruction too. I’m also wondering how much I’d actually fly. Maybe once a month or two? But my non pilot friend really wants me to take him up one day. He lives several states away, so that would be a fun cross country.
Prior_Ad1855@reddit
If you have a lot of experience teaching, become the CFI that fixes students who can’t be fixed or have been abandoned by CFI’s that left for jobs or just get passed around. That way, you’re not stealing anyone’s hours and you’re a SUPER pilot
ananajakq@reddit
I am also a 737 pilot and I rent planes overseas when I travel. Everywhere u go there’s a flying club. I go up with an instructor and bomb around. Bring my husband. It’s awesome.
JAMONLEE@reddit
My dude, 121 CA salary you can absolutely own a plane or I would reexamine your finances. That being said, flight club split between 4-10 people is a much more economical way to almost get the exact same thing. You might even enjoy it more for the community aspect. In either scenario you’re not throwing money away. You don’t like it as much as you thought you would then sell the plane or sell your share of the club.
Efficient_Gift_6834@reddit (OP)
Of course I CAN own one but is it a financially smart decision? No lol I invest a lot of money in the stock market. I might buy one one day, but I like the idea of owning things that can also make me money and owning a plane can’t. I also can’t justify owning one; I wouldn’t fly it that much.
JAMONLEE@reddit
Club sounds like a great fit for you. Everyone has unique circumstances but many planes are appreciating at the moment. I don’t think owning or flying club is a good venture to make any money but I do think if you’re a 121 CA you can likely handle some expenses.
SecureAsk8297@reddit
You can buy a nice computer and play a flight simulator
Bunslow@reddit
VFR in the EFB age is way easier than it used to be. Brief all the weather/tfrs within 200 miles, then take off. Once in cruise, throw a dart at the map!
Roger_Freedman_Phys@reddit
Joining a flying club will almost certainly be less expensive on a per-hour basis if you plan to fly less than 100 hours per year in a GA aircraft.
Living_Guess_2845@reddit
The clubs and partnerships that are affordable don't seem to advertise. You just have to meet the right crowd at the right field.
Mobile_Career_8925@reddit
I recommend doing it. I’m also a 121 pilot and I still love flying GA.
Doing some light teaching on the side makes me appreciate the airline flying more- it’s an opportunity to share the wisdom ive learned. It also helps me appreciate the intellectual side of the 121 world.
I love flying low and slow.. and flying with people who are in it just for the love of it! Or who are dreaming of w career too.
bikeahh@reddit
Find a Civil Air Patrol squadron. You'll be able to take kids up on their first few flights and, if you want, train and qualify as a mission pilot which is some fun flying, especially here in the CO mountains.
And the USAF pays for the flight time and the airplanes. Mostly newer 182s and 206s with some 172s.
If you wanted to instruct, CAP also is pushing cadet flight training these days, so you'd be able to take on a cadet or two, if it fit your schedule.
CommunicationWarm318@reddit
Go fly GA!
aftcg@reddit
Just get your own plane brother. Yes it's a money pit, that's what the CA over ride is for! If I can afford a Baron on NB fo pay, you can afford one too.
Efficient_Gift_6834@reddit (OP)
Hahaha, I definitely can afford it, just enjoying investing a stupid amount of money for the next few years so I can retire my parents hopefully in 5 years. I’m 29yo. Very lucky in life
Sad-Improvement-2031@reddit
Flight club is the way to go. Usually you can get better planes than you would just renting. You never have to think about maintenance or anything its the best.
valspare@reddit
First rule of flight club, don't talk about flight club.
No?
Small_Chicken1085@reddit
I’m in a flying club. It’s awesome.
Pretend_College_8446@reddit
The first rule about flight club is you don’t talk about flight club
us1549@reddit
Can you count all the money you're making in your free time? Perhaps that will take the edge off 😄😂
ltcterry@reddit
A large chunk of the members of my glider club are airline pilots. Maybe 1/3.
Inevitable_Mix_455@reddit
Club I just joined was 10k equity buy-in refundable on exit, $160 a month, $110 an hour wet tach for a 172 with brand new engine and avionics and $120 wet tach for a fixed gear Cardinal with avionics upgrade paid for for next year.
They allow overnights with no minimums, about 25 people in the club.
ozzies_35_cats@reddit
Haven’t flown GA in 7 years. Buddy took me up in his 152 on an overnight…god I’m a shit pilot. I’m good. I’m ok leaving work at work tbh.
Efficient_Gift_6834@reddit (OP)
Thought I posted it originally but located in Colorado!
hhhhnnngg@reddit
My feeble caveman brain has always thought of it like this - if you want the freedom to fly whenever and wherever you want, owning is a better option. If you just want to occasionally go up for an hour here and there a club could make sense. I didn’t like the idea of being hit with an upgrade or maintenance bill on a plane I didn’t fully own, or having to worry about scheduling if it was a nice evening or weekend and wanted to fly so I went experimental ownership to fly for as cheap as possible. You’ll have to weigh the costs vs how much you think you’ll actually use it. Everyone I know and fly with has avoided clubs simply for the fact that the truly nice flying weather is rare around my area and someone would usually reserve it before you could.
Creepy_Type@reddit
I’m not a member but here in the northeast there’s a few around. Buy-ins range around 5-10k I think. Aircraft are a mixed bag but mostly your trainers and a few high performance here and there…Seems convenient and less expensive than owning for sure but I’d keep a close eye on their maintenance and be sure to browse for some quality equipment.
Fancy_o_lucas@reddit
Hugely dependent results based on where in the county you’re located. Clubs are all different.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Hey yall! I’m currently a 737 CA for a US 121 and I miss general aviation like crazy. My buddy took me up in a 172 the other day on an overnight and there’s something freeing about being able to hop in an airplane and go wherever you, and do whatever you want. I miss it, but don’t enjoy the idea of owning one as it’s just a money pit. I’ve thought of CFIing again on the side as well, but I don’t want to take the job of a CFI trying to get their hours.
Anyone here part of a flight club? One where you have share of the airplane and pay a monthly fee then only pay for fuel or tac or whatever else? Is it worth it? Cost breakdown between owning yourself vs a club? Thanks!
Please downvote this comment until it collapses.
Questions about this comment? Please see this wiki post before contacting the mods.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you have any questions, please contact the mods of this subreddit.