What will this club do for me?
The flying club is designed to give members access to multiple aircraft at a fixed monthly price. Every airplane is designed around a “mission” such as cross-country flying, backcountry, aerobatic, or training. Very few individuals can afford to own their own airplane, let alone afford to have access to aircraft specializing in multiple missions. The High Sierra Pilots Flying Club gives a person that level of access at an affordable monthly rate.
Joining a flying club also introduces you to many other club members who, like you, love aviation and who fly the same aircraft giving you an instant aviation family. So broaden your aviation experience and join the HSP Club today!
Can I fly anytime I want?
Yes, you can reserve the airplane whenever you like, night or day, providing you are an appropriately rated pilot current in the conditions you reserve the aircraft for.
Additionally, the scheduling software limits each member to three reservations at one time. This restriction can be lifted with a phone call or email to a club officer who can approve longer reservations.
The HSP Club has this three reservation restriction to ensure that members have access to the airplanes and that no one member can take up all the availability by over reserving.
So, if you have three reservations in the system you would need to fly one of those or cancel one before the scheduler will allow you to reserve another time.
Explain Insurance for the HSP Club?
When you rent an airplane you are required to have aircraft renter’s insurance even though the airplane is commercially covered under its own policy. A Flying Club is no different. You will be required to have your own renters insurance in order to fly the Club aircraft. Typically, renters insurance is $99/mo.
You can ask office staff for the minimums you’ll need to meet with your insurance policy, and for additional recommendations on groups that provide insurance.
What aircraft will my membership give me access to?
Your membership fee allows you access to all of the club’s aircraft, including aircraft at all of our locations. (You must be appropriately qualified to fly club aircraft.)
Can I take the aircraft overnight or over a weekend?
Yes! It’s one of the joys of having an airplane. To travel to distant and exciting places for a few night or weekend is an incredible experience.
Weekends are high demand times for the airplanes and so there is an overnight fee of $50 for those special days. This fee keeps members from scheduling the airplane for a weekend without being absolutely sure they are committed to using it that weekend. This keeps the aircraft available for more members who may just want to fly an airplane on a Saturday morning.
Can I earn my Pilot Certificate through the Club?
Yes, you can. In fact, we have several student pilots using the Cherokee 160 for their primary training and/or advanced training, such as an Instrument Rating.
In fact, it’s vastly cheaper to learn to fly through the flying club; as much as 40% less than going through a traditional flight school. And once you get your certificate, you have instant access to a wonderful array of aircraft!
There are several club instructors in the club and more join all the time. You can also bring your own Flight Instructor. As long as you are a member of the club, your instructor does not have to be to teach you.
What Payment options do you accept?
We accept ACH bank transfers, check, Paypal, or credit cards. Unfortunately, we do not accept cash at this time.
Do I need to attend the club safety meetings?
We do require members to attend at least one safety meeting every three months. However, we encourage High Sierra Pilots club members to attend safety meetings as often as you can.
Why a dry rate instead of a wet rate?
The answer is simplicity and accountability. When you go to the airport to fly the airplane it will be full of fuel and ready to preflight and fly. When you are done with the airplane, you gas it up and park it for the next person. Pretty simple.
If you are a responsible pilot then you know how to fly the airplane efficiently, leaning for best fuel burn per hour. At HSP we don’t punish you for that by charging a wet rate based on maximum fuel burn. You pay for what you actually use and nothing more.
How many reservations can I make at one time?
The scheduling software limits each member to three reservations at one time. This restriction can be lifted with a phone call or email to a club officer who can approve longer reservations.
The HSP Club has this three reservation restriction to ensure that members have access to the airplanes and that no one member can take up all the availability by over reserving.
So, if you have three reservations in the system you would need to fly one of those or cancel one before the scheduler will allow you to reserve another time.
Can I take friends and/or family in the airplane?
Of course! Share the joy of aviation with anyone who will go with you. Of course, if you take a passenger in the aircraft and they get sick or otherwise damage the interior of the airplane then you are responsible for cleaning that up immediately.
No offense, but we at HSP just don’t want to clean up after you. Empty all trash in the airplane and clean the windows and interior appropriately.
Can I rent the airplane(s) without joining the club?
No. At this time, you need to be a member of the High Sierra Pilots Flying Club to be able to rent our airplanes. We do offer a month-to-month membership option at the Basic member level (Frequent Flyer memberships have a three month minimum commitment), but you will need to purchase a block of flying hours as well.
In addition, you will need renter’s insurance and an aircraft checkout from a club officer authorized to do so.
What type of club events are there typically?
Social events such as BBQ’s and golfing trips, country camping trips, CX trips to Mexico and other destinations as well as educational events like special speakers, ATC facility tours joint activities with EAA Chapters such as the VMC club, and more! It’s very rewarding to be a member fo the HSP Club.
How many members are there in the club?
We try to limit memberships to 12 pilots per aircraft in the fleet. Every ten new members the club will begin looking into purchasing a new aircraft for the club members. Members discuss and vote on what aircraft will be next in the club.
Bottom line: the more we grow the more airplanes we all have to enjoy!
Resources for Pilots and Student Pilots
FAA – This is the Big One. If you’re flying, you’re going to be going here at some point to check the regs, read the latest rule adjustments, or catch up on the Safety Briefing.
AOPA – Largest private pilot community in the world, with a website packed full of articles, information, and opinions from experts. Also provides aviation insurance, and other services to private pilots.
EAA – Largest home and kit built aircraft community in the world. Another great organization, with a website packed with great information and events.
Disciples of Flight – Articles, opinions and information on airplanes and flying from pilots, mechanics, and others passionate about aviation.
Avemco – Aviation insurance provider.
The Best School – An open-use guide to aviation careers, covering core sections such as certifications, education requirements, and job outlook.
Soaring NV – Our sister operation, providing glider rides and instruction year round!
