COSTS AND RULES

Understanding What You Get and What You Pay


Membership Fee

  • $275/month (Core Membership)

  • $95/month (Casual Membership — 10-hour bucket only)

  • Three-month minimum membership requirement.
    HSP is not a short-term aircraft rental business; we are a Club looking for like-minded people who want to join us and help build the most amazing flying club ever. We hope that’s you.


Hourly Operating Fees

  • As low as $59.50/hr (dry rate) with a 40-hour bucket.

  • Casual members purchase only the 10-hour bucket.

  • Core members can purchase 10, 20, or 40-hour buckets.


Fuel Policy

When you check out the aircraft, the tanks will be full. When you return the aircraft, you are required to refill the tanks to full capacity for the next member.

Exceptions:

  • Cherokees 14W and 66R: filled to the tabs.

  • Super Decathlon: kept at half tanks.


Flight Hours & Simulator Access

  • Flight time is based on Hobbs time (engine running).

  • Flight hours never expire as long as you keep your membership active and in good standing.

  • FAA Approved GLEIM BATD Simulator:

    • $55/hr for Casual Members

    • Free for Core Members (1 free hour per month)


Instruction

  • Club CFIs available — some offer discounted instruction rates as low as $50/hr, most around $75+/hr.

  • You may also bring your own CFI into the club if preferred.


Reservations & Scheduling

  • All reservations are made through the club’s online scheduling system.

  • You can reserve from anywhere you have internet access.

  • Members may hold three reservations at a time; you must complete or cancel one before booking another.


Overnight Use

  • Overnight fee: $50.

  • If you are delayed by weather, overnight fees will be waived — just call or email the club office.

  • Safety first: Never attempt to fly in unsafe weather to avoid fees.


Aircraft Access & Care

  • Members in good standing receive access to club aircraft (and hangars, if applicable).

  • Always lock the aircraft when unattended, tie it down properly, and wipe bugs off after flight.

  • Clean up anything you bring aboard so the next member enjoys the same experience.


Maintenance & Liability

  • No annual dues or maintenance fees (covered by club membership fees).

  • Members are responsible for damage that occurs during their use (e.g., blown tires, tail strikes, or more serious issues).

  • Use common sense, comply with all FARs, and help us keep the aircraft safe and enjoyable for all.


Cost Calculation Examples

1 Month (40 hours in a single month)

  • Flight time: 40 hrs × $59.50/hr = $2,380

  • Membership fee: $275

  • Total: $2,655

Perks used:

  • 1 free simulator hour

Effective hourly rate with perks: $64.75/hr


2 Months (20 hours per month)

  • Flight time each month: 20 hrs × $59.50/hr = $1,190

  • Membership fee each month: $275

  • Monthly total: $1,465

For 2 months: $2,930

Perks used:

  • 2 free simulator hours

  • 1 free Flight Opportunity trip (e.g., a 2-hour reposition flight at no cost)

Adjusted value:
$2,930 ÷ (40 paid hrs + 2 sim hrs + 2 flight hrs) = $68.10/hr


4 Months (10 hours per month)

  • Flight time each month: 10 hrs × $59.50/hr = $595

  • Membership fee each month: $275

  • Monthly total: $870

For 4 months: $3,480

Perks used:

  • 4 free simulator hours

  • 1 free Flight Opportunity trip (e.g., a 2-hour reposition flight at no cost)

Adjusted value:
$3,480 ÷ (40 paid hrs + 4 sim hrs + 2 flight hrs) = $76.67/hr


Summary

The more intensively you fly, the lower your effective cost per hour. Even when hours are spread out, perks like simulator time and Flight Opportunities keep your flying cost highly competitive compared to traditional rentals — without the burden of ownership.

Flying with the club gives you the freedom of ownership, the joy of flight, and the support of a community of fellow aviators. We’re excited to welcome you aboard.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT FIT

VMC

Casual Tier
$ 95
Monthly
  • You’re hands-on, light, and free — just the essentials.
  • Access to All Aircraft
  • Attend Club Events
  • Two Reservation Limit

VX

Core Tier
$ 275
Monthly
  • The sweet spot. Balanced. Capable. Built to explore.
  • Access to All Aircraft
  • Attend Club Events
  • Three Reservation Limit
  • Discounted Flight Time
  • Free FAA Simulator Time
  • Comped Flights to Events
  • Flight Opportunities Board
  • 50% Off Overnight Fees
  • 10% Off Pilot Merch
  • 50% Off Pilot Shop Rentals
  • Flight Time Dividend*
  • Discovery Flight Giveaway
Popular

VNE

Premium Tier
$ 18,000
Yearly
  • Full access. Minimal friction. Just fly.
  • Access to All Aircraft
  • Attend Club Events
  • Three Reservation Limit
  • Unlimited Flight Time
  • No Overnight Fees
  • Free Pilot Shop Rentals
  • 15% Off Pilot Merch
  • Exclusive HSP Light Jacket
  • Discovery Flight Giveaway

BENEFIT FAQ's

VMC

At High Sierra Pilots, every member has access to the entire fleet—including our aircraft, simulators, and training resources. When you join HSP, you’re not tied to a single airplane—you’re joining a community built around variety, freedom, and flexibility.

Whether you’re looking to train in a Cessna 172, take friends for a scenic flight in a 182, log multi-engine time, or sharpen IFR skills in our simulator, it’s all available to you based on your membership tier and qualifications.

Here’s why that matters:

  • You’re never grounded just because “your” plane is booked or down for maintenance.

  • You can grow as a pilot by experiencing different aircraft—tailwheel, aerobatic, complex, and more.

  • You’ll always have options that fit the mission—short hop, long cross-country, training, or adventure.

Our flexible, shared-access model gives you the benefit of owning a hangar full of airplanes—without the cost or hassle of managing a single one.

All members are welcome at every club event, regardless of membership level.

We believe community is at the heart of what makes this club special. That’s why our events are open to everyone in the club and designed to bring members together through shared interests, learning, and fun.

Sample events include:

  • Monthly Safety Presentations – Stay sharp with engaging discussions led by experienced pilots, mechanics, and industry pros.

  • Guest Speakers – From legendary aviators to innovators in aviation and automotive design, our guest speakers bring fresh perspectives and stories.

  • Fly-ins & Destination Events – Enjoy weekend adventures and group fly-outs to scenic airports, backcountry strips, or historic airfields.

  • BBQ Socials & Hangar Cookouts – Kick back with great food, good music, and even better company.

  • Movie Nights – Aviation classics, car culture documentaries, and member favorites shown on our hangar screen—popcorn included.

No matter your experience level or interests, our events are designed to create connection, offer inspiration, and build lifelong friendships. 

To keep access fair and flexible for all members, we limit the number of active reservations. 

This policy ensures that aircraft availability remains high, especially during peak flying days. Without limits, it’s easy for a few members to block out large chunks of time—making it harder for others to plan flights, train, or take spontaneous trips.

The two-reservation limit still gives you the freedom to book in advance for important flights (like fly-ins or weekend trips), while helping maintain a healthy rotation across the fleet. Once a reservation is complete, you’re free to make another.

We’re always working to balance convenience with fairness, and this policy helps everyone get more time in the air.

At the Casual Tier your limited to two active reservations at a time.  If you would enjoy more reservations simultaneously then consider upgrading your membership.

A dry rate means the cost of fuel is not included in the hourly rental price.

This approach gives members more transparency and control over their expenses. You only pay for the fuel you actually use, rather than covering a built-in estimate that may be higher than necessary. After your flight, you simply refuel the aircraft and keep the receipt for your records.

Dry rates also help keep our hourly pricing lower and fairer across the board, especially as fuel prices fluctuate. For example, a Cessna 172 might rent for just $127/hour dry—far less than a comparable wet rate from a traditional FBO.

By keeping fuel separate, we give members the flexibility to choose where and when to refuel, and ensure the fleet remains ready for the next flight.

VX

The Core Tier is designed for members who fly more often—and want deeper discounts for doing so.

With this tier, you unlock access to larger time buckets:

  • 20-hour bucket – Ideal for active recreational flyers or those in training, offering a better hourly rate than the Casual Tier.

  • 40-hour bucket – Our best value, providing the steepest discount for frequent flyers.

For example, our upgraded Cessna 150/150 rents for just $60.94/hour dry when using a 40-hour bucket—an unbeatable rate for that kind of performance and capability.

This tier is perfect for pilots building time, maintaining proficiency, or maximizing adventure. The more you fly, the more you save.

At High Sierra Pilots, every member has access to the entire fleet—including our aircraft, simulators, and training resources. When you join HSP, you’re not tied to a single airplane—you’re joining a community built around variety, freedom, and flexibility.

Whether you’re looking to train in a Cessna 172, take friends for a scenic flight in a 182, log multi-engine time, or sharpen IFR skills in our  simulator, it’s all available to you based on your membership tier and qualifications.

Here’s why that matters:

  • You’re never grounded just because “your” plane is booked or down for maintenance.

  • You can grow as a pilot by experiencing different aircraft—tailwheel, aerobatic, complex, and more.

  • You’ll always have options that fit the mission—short hop, long cross-country, training, or adventure.

Our flexible, shared-access model gives you the benefit of owning a hangar full of airplanes—without the cost or hassle of managing a single one.

All members are welcome at every club event, regardless of membership level.

We believe community is at the heart of what makes this club special. That’s why our events are open to everyone in the club and designed to bring members together through shared interests, learning, and fun.

Sample events include:

  • Monthly Safety Presentations – Stay sharp with engaging discussions led by experienced pilots, mechanics, and industry pros.

  • Guest Speakers – From legendary aviators to innovators in aviation and automotive design, our guest speakers bring fresh perspectives and stories.

  • Fly-ins & Destination Events – Enjoy weekend adventures and group fly-outs to scenic airports, backcountry strips, or historic airfields.

  • BBQ Socials & Hangar Cookouts – Kick back with great food, good music, and even better company.

  • Movie Nights – Aviation classics, car culture documentaries, and member favorites shown on our hangar screen—popcorn included.

No matter your experience level or interests, our events are designed to create connection, offer inspiration, and build lifelong friendships.

Core Tier members can hold up to three active reservations at a time (compared to two in the Casual tier).

This added flexibility makes it easier to plan longer trips, reserve multiple training sessions, or take advantage of spontaneous flying opportunities—without giving up your future bookings.

It’s a meaningful perk that helps keep your schedule open and your flying stress-free.

Core Tier Members get unlimited use of our FAA-approved BATD simulator at no extra cost.

Normally rented at $50/hour, the Gleim BATD (Basic Aviation Training Device) is included with your membership. It’s an incredible tool for sharpening your skills, especially when the weather’s bad or you’re working on advanced training like:

  • IFR procedures and currency

  • Emergency scenarios and decision-making

  • Cross-country planning and route testing

Whether you’re flying for fun or prepping for the next rating, the sim gives you valuable hands-on experience—without burning avgas.

When you fly to participate in an official club event, your round-trip flight time is comped and not deducted from your bucket. We calculate the flight time based on a mid-tier aircraft like our Cessna 182, and you’ll get credit regardless of which plane you choose to fly.

For example, on our annual overnight trip to Kern Valley, we comp 2 hours each way—even if you fly a different route or aircraft.

It’s one of the coolest perks of membership and part of our commitment to building a community that actually flies together—not just talks about it.

So fuel up, pack your bag, and don’t worry about the clock—we’ve got that part covered.

Full Access Members receive 50% off overnight fees, paying just $25 per night instead of the standard $50.

Overnight fees help the club offset the cost of lost availability when an aircraft is away for an extended period. While your plane is tied down somewhere else, it’s unavailable to other members—so this fee ensures fair use across the fleet and helps keep our hourly rates low for everyone.

With this tier, you get the freedom to take longer trips at half the cost, whether you’re spending a night at a backcountry strip or a weekend in wine country. It’s one more way we reward members who fly often—and fly far.

Full Access Members receive 10% off all purchases in our store, both online and in-person.

That includes everything from everyday essentials to club-branded swag:

  • Pilot supplies – headsets, sectionals, logbooks, kneeboards, training materials

  • Custom merch – HSP mugs, thermoses, hats, and apparel

  • Gift items – perfect for friends, family, or your own hangar shelf

Whether you’re grabbing a fresh logbook before your next flight or repping the club with a new shirt, your membership helps you save while supporting the community.

Full Access Members receive 50% off all gear rentals.

Whether you’re outfitting a guest, capturing an epic flight, or preparing for high-altitude adventure, we’ve got the gear—and you get it at half the cost. Available rental items include:

  • Portable oxygen systems

  • Headsets (for you or your passengers)

  • ADS-B In receivers

  • Action cameras (with mounts for cockpit recording)

  • Tie-down kits and backcountry essentials

It’s perfect for those one-off flights when you need extra equipment without committing to a full purchase. Just rent what you need and take off.

The Flight Time Dividend is an exclusive benefit for VX Core Members that rewards you for your loyalty and flying with High Sierra Pilots. On your one-year anniversary as a Core Member, you’ll receive 10% credit back on every dollar you spent with us over the past 12 months.

Example: If you spent $10,000 on flight time within your first year, you’ll automatically receive a $1,000 credit when your Flight Time Dividend kicks in.

How can I use my Flight Time Dividend?
Your credit is flexible and can be applied toward:

  • Flight time on any aircraft in the fleet

  • Purchases in the Pilot Store

  • Any other services within High Sierra Pilots

Does it expire if I leave the club?  Yes, your dividend is only good for current members.

As a VX Core Member, you receive one free Discovery Flight each year that you can give to a friend or family member. This is your chance to share the thrill of aviation with someone who’s curious about flying—at no cost to you or them.

Key details:

  • You get one Discovery Flight to give away per year of membership.

  • The flight can be gifted to anyone you choose—a family member, a friend, or even a colleague.

  • It’s completely free of charge and includes both the aircraft and instructor time.

This benefit is a great way to introduce someone new to aviation and let them experience firsthand what it’s like to take the controls of an airplane with a certified instructor by their side.

A dry rate means the cost of fuel is not included in the hourly rental price.

This approach gives members more transparency and control over their expenses. You only pay for the fuel you actually use, rather than covering a built-in estimate that may be higher than necessary. After your flight, you simply refuel the aircraft and keep the receipt for your records.

Dry rates also help keep our hourly pricing lower and fairer across the board, especially as fuel prices fluctuate. For example, a Cessna 172 might rent for just $127/hour dry—far less than a comparable wet rate from a traditional FBO.

By keeping fuel separate, we give members the flexibility to choose where and when to refuel, and ensure the fleet remains ready for the next flight.

VNE

Premium Tier Members enjoy unlimited flying privileges across the entire fleet, with no need to purchase hour blocks. Just book, preflight, and take off.

You’ll have access to every aircraft type, including twin-engine, aerobatic, TAA, and tailwheel planes—all included in your membership.

To keep things fair and the fleet available for everyone, Premium Members may have up to three active reservations at a time, and extended, multi-day trips must be coordinated in advance with club staff.

We ask all Premium Members to fly with the spirit of the club in mind—using aircraft regularly, but not monopolizing access. For example, storing an aircraft out of state long-term or keeping one grounded for days without use may result in a pause or review of privileges.

This tier is designed for serious aviators who fly often, train hard, or want the ultimate in freedom without worrying about hourly rates—and it works best when we all fly with shared respect and responsibility.

Premium Members can hold up to four active reservations at a time—a higher limit than any other tier. This gives you the flexibility to plan frequent flights, longer trips, or instructor time without constantly juggling your calendar.

However, to keep the system fair and our fleet available to everyone, a few important usage guidelines apply:


 Reservation Duration

  • Each reservation may be up to 72 hours long by default.

  • Need more time? Just reach out. Longer trips (like week-long adventures or out-of-state flights) are welcome with advance coordination—we just want to ensure fair access and aircraft return timelines.


Geographic Use & Aircraft Return

  • Premium Members are free to fly anywhere—but aircraft must return to base within a reasonable period.

  • Long-term remote storage (e.g., leaving a plane tied down in Florida or parked in a private hangar for weeks) is not permitted without prior approval. Our goal is to keep the fleet active and accessible.


No “Hogging” the Fleet

  • Unlimited access is built on trust. Reserving an aircraft day after day without flying, or blocking peak weekends in advance and canceling last-minute reduces access for everyone.

  • Members who repeatedly tie up aircraft without consistent use may have reservation privileges reviewed or adjusted.

No—Premium Members enjoy waived overnight fees on all aircraft, no matter the destination or duration (within standard reservation guidelines).

Most clubs charge overnight fees—typically $50/night—to offset lost availability when an aircraft is away. But with the Premium Tier, those charges are completely eliminated. Take the plane for a weekend getaway, a cross-country trip, or an overnight training mission—without worrying about extra costs adding up.

This benefit is designed to support the way you fly: freely, frequently, and without compromise.

Just be sure to follow standard reservation policies, and let us know if you plan to be gone more than 72 hours so we can coordinate accordingly.

All members are welcome at every club event, regardless of membership level.

We believe community is at the heart of what makes this club special. That’s why our events are open to everyone in the club and designed to bring members together through shared interests, learning, and fun.

Sample events include:

  • Monthly Safety Presentations – Stay sharp with engaging discussions led by experienced pilots, mechanics, and industry pros.

  • Guest Speakers – From legendary aviators to innovators in aviation and automotive design, our guest speakers bring fresh perspectives and stories.

  • Fly-ins & Destination Events – Enjoy weekend adventures and group fly-outs to scenic airports, backcountry strips, or historic airfields.

  • BBQ Socials & Hangar Cookouts – Kick back with great food, good music, and even better company.

  • Movie Nights – Aviation classics, car culture documentaries, and member favorites shown on our hangar screen—popcorn included.

No matter your experience level or interests, our events are designed to create connection, offer inspiration, and build lifelong friendships. 

Yes—Premium Members get complimentary access to all gear rentals in the club’s pilot shop.

Need a spare headset for a passenger? Planning a high-altitude flight? Want to record a backcountry landing? Just check it out—no rental fees, no hassle.

Available gear includes but is not limited to:

  • Oxygen systems

  • Headsets (for you or your guests)

  • ADS-B In receivers

  • Action cameras and mounting kits

  • Tie-down kits and backcountry accessories

Whether it’s for safety, convenience, or fun, we’ve got the tools to enhance your flight—and as a Premium Member, it’s all included.

Because it must be said, these items are limited to use with our aircraft and not to be taken for long periods of time without prior approval.

Premium Members receive 15% off all pilot shop merchandise, both in-store and online.

That includes premium gear and exclusive club-branded items like:

  • Apparel – T-shirts, hoodies, hats, jackets

  • Flight supplies – Sectionals, logbooks, training materials, kneeboards

  • Custom merch – HSP mugs, tumblers, patches, and more

  • Gift items – Great for holidays, birthdays, or fellow aviators

It’s the highest discount we offer and just one more way we say thanks for being part of our most committed membership tier.

Although we try to preheat and defrost all aircraft for all our members, Premium Members receive priority aircraft preheat service, ensuring your plane is ready to go during cold weather.

To keep things efficient and safe, preheats are provided:

  • During normal business hours, or

  • With advance arrangement outside those hours

Just give us a heads-up, and we’ll make sure your aircraft is warm, engine-safe, and ready for startup—so you can skip the hassle and get straight to flying.

It’s one more way we make Premium membership smooth, convenient, and weather-ready.

Premium Members enjoy full-service refueling as part of their membership.

Just tie the aircraft down after your flight, let a staff member know it’s ready, and walk away—we’ll take care of the rest. You authorize us to bill your card on file for the fuel, and we handle the fill-up promptly so the aircraft is ready for the next flight.

It’s fast, seamless, and removes one more post-flight task from your to-do list—so you can focus on flying, not fueling. 

This service is only available during office hours but may be arranged with us for non-office hours with notice.   

Premium Members receive an exclusive HSP light jacket, available only at this tier.

Designed for comfort, style, and that early-morning preflight chill, this jacket features:

  • High-quality materials and tailored fit

  • Subtle HSP branding for a clean, classic look

  • Available in multiple sizes and ready for pickup after signup

It’s more than just gear—it’s a symbol of your place in the club’s most elite tier, and a thank-you for your commitment to the High Sierra Pilots community.

A dry rate means the cost of fuel is not included in the hourly rental price.

This approach gives members more transparency and control over their expenses. You only pay for the fuel you actually use, rather than covering a built-in estimate that may be higher than necessary. After your flight, you simply refuel the aircraft and keep the receipt for your records.

Dry rates also help keep our hourly pricing lower and fairer across the board, especially as fuel prices fluctuate. For example, a Cessna 172 might rent for just $127/hour dry—far less than a comparable wet rate from a traditional FBO.

By keeping fuel separate, we give members the flexibility to choose where and when to refuel, and ensure the fleet remains ready for the next flight.