A common question the AOPA Flying Club team receives is: “How can we attract new members? Finding new members can be a challenge for both new and established flying clubs. For newer clubs, attracting members can be difficult, while for more established clubs, it may be about replacing members who have moved on. After all, a flying club needs to stay strong and keep running even as members come and go. But don’t worry—there’s good news!
Today, flight schools are laser-focused on keeping their aircraft flying and ensuring a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is always available. However, this creates a problem for potential members: they can’t find available rental aircraft, they can’t take planes for extended periods, and they’re often forced to pay for long, expensive checkout flights that feel more like lessons than rentals. This is where flying clubs come in. Offering a small buy-in, a community atmosphere, and much more affordable rates based on tachometer time (not Hobbs time), flying clubs provide a solution. “Where have you been all my life?” a potential member might say.
Moreover, flight schools are now charging up to $60 per hour for a CFI—often a 100% markup—plus fuel surcharges on top of the already steep $200 average hourly rate, not to mention credit card fees. While flight schools have to stay in business as commercial operators, flying clubs offer a far more affordable option with the added benefit of community and camaraderie. Fun fact: when the Cessna 172 was introduced in 1956, it quickly became one of the most successful aircraft ever built, with an average hourly rental rate of just $15. Crazy, right?
What Members Used to Look for in a Flying Club
Back in the day, before the age of iPads and social media, pilots were always looking for ways to save money on flying. Flight schools, though helpful, were still expensive, often charging all-day fees. Flying clubs were the go-to places for a strong sense of community. Without cell phones or iPads, pilots had to connect in person, sharing experiences and fostering a close-knit atmosphere.
What Today’s Members Want
Fast forward to 2025—today’s flying club members are looking for something a bit different. Modern technology is now essential. When prospective members visit a club, they expect to see modern avionics on the aircraft. Even experienced pilots with instrument ratings might want the excitement of flying with new technology, such as an autopilot for long cross-country trips or advanced avionics for instrument currency.
Embrace Technology and Online Presence
A sharp website is a must-have in the digital age. Even simply being listed on the AOPA Flying Club Finder is a good start, but without a website, your club may be overlooked. Check out AOPA’s Tale of Two Websites for inspiration: AOPA Website Guide.
Speaking of social media, your club should be active on platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. A member of your club could manage these accounts to post pictures, updates, quizzes, safety tips, and achievements. It doesn’t have to be daily—just regular enough to keep people engaged. Instagram is perfect for showcasing beautiful flight photos, X is great for quick updates, and Facebook is a space for club members to connect and discuss.
Modern Scheduling Tools
Gone are the days of pen-and-paper scheduling. Modern clubs are making the switch to better scheduling platforms. Even if your club uses a free option like Google Calendar, it may feel a little outdated. We recommend Flight Circle for its sleek aircraft management, accounting, and maintenance suite. At $10 per aircraft, it’s an excellent tool. Another popular choice is Flight Schedule Pro, which many members might already be familiar with. It’s a user-friendly tool for scheduling and invoicing that makes managing the club a breeze.
Aircraft Availability and Member Experience
One of the main reasons people join a flying club is for aircraft availability. Unlike flight schools, flying clubs often allow members to take planes for overnight trips. This is a big draw, as many people want the freedom to fly to distant locations for a weekend getaway. To ensure everyone has access, we recommend keeping the membership to no more than 10-12 members per aircraft.
Networking and Community Opportunities
Flying clubs also offer invaluable networking opportunities. For instance, members who want to build flight hours can join, and time-building doesn’t take as much of a toll on the aircraft as flight training does. Many aspiring airline pilots are looking for opportunities to connect with experienced professionals, and your club might already have current or retired airline pilots who can offer valuable advice and mentorship. Hosting guest speakers or FAAST seminars is a great way to attract members and build that network.
Additionally, offering social activities like movie nights, dinner gatherings, and fly-outs will help keep members engaged and foster a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
Advanced Ratings and Training
Although AOPA recommends that flying clubs avoid advertising flight instruction to stay in line with the FAA regulations, there’s no issue with members using club aircraft to build hours or pursue advanced ratings like instrument training. Just ensure that your club doesn’t market itself as a flight training business. You can also work with local flight schools to create a mutually beneficial arrangement—perhaps directing students who are looking for aircraft rentals to the club if the flight school is fully booked.
In Conclusion
The landscape of flying clubs is changing, and it’s essential to keep up with modern trends. By offering a community atmosphere, affordable rates, and access to modern technology, your club can attract new members and retain the ones you already have. A strong online presence, up-to-date scheduling systems, and opportunities for networking are all key to staying relevant. Above all, remember that the heart of any flying club is its community spirit—a shared passion for aviation. Focus on these aspects, and your club will thrive for years to come.
Need help growing your membership? Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist in expanding your club and potentially lowering your insurance rates through safety webinars.
