Club Talk: Stuck Without an Airplane? Here's How to Get Your Club Off the Ground

Starting a flying club is one of the most rewarding ways to make aviation more accessible, affordable, and community driven. But there’s a familiar challenge that nearly every new club faces:
You need an airplane to attract members, but you need members to afford an airplane.

In this month’s Club Talk, we’ll explore how to break that cycle. Whether your club is just forming or looking to grow, we’ll share practical strategies, real-world examples, and creative solutions that clubs across the country have used to get airborne.

Good News: You Don’t Need an Airplane to Start

Many successful clubs begin with nothing more than a vision and a few passionate aviators. Forming the club itself is surprisingly straightforward, and you can do a lot before acquiring an aircraft:

• Draft bylaws and operating rules to define your club’s structure, membership types, and governance.
• Establish a legal entity with your state (typically as a non-profit).
• Apply for IRS tax exemption: we recommend the 501(c)(7), which is designed for social clubs.
• Create a website or social media presence to build credibility and attract interest.

Being a “club-in-formation” is a legitimate and powerful status. It shows potential members and partners that you’re serious, and that something exciting is taking shape.

Building Interest Without an Airplane

Understandably, many pilots want to see a tangible asset before committing. But you can still build momentum and attract members with a strong vision and smart outreach:

• List your club-in-formation on the AOPA Flying Club Finder—a free tool that helps local pilots discover your club.
• Host informational meetings at airports, flight schools, or aviation events.
• Share your vision: What kind of flying do you want to do? What aircraft are you targeting? How will the club operate?

Need help listing your club? Reach out to me or Cade—we’re happy to assist.

Three Common Ways Clubs Acquire Aircraft

Once you’ve built some interest, the next step is figuring out how to get an airplane. Here are three common models:

1. Leaseback from an Owner

This is often the simplest and fastest way to get a club flying. If someone already owns an airplane, they can lease it back to the club. This person does not have to be a member of the flying club, however, if they plan to continue to fly their airplane, they would need to be a member of the club. If an aircraft isn’t being flown regularly, its owner, often a tenant on the field, might be open to leasing it back to the club. A conversation with the airport manager could be the key to identifying such opportunities.

• The owner retains control and responsibility for the aircraft. (Depending on the lease agreement)
• Club members get access through a structured schedule and pay hourly rates.
• This model works well for non-equity clubs, where members don’t own the aircraft but still enjoy flying privileges.

2. Equity Purchase by Members

In this model, the club purchases an aircraft using funds contributed by founding members.

• For example, four members could each contribute $25,000 to buy a $100,000 Cessna 172.
• Each member owns a share of the aircraft and has voting rights.

3. Mixed Equity/Non-Equity Model

Some clubs start with a few equity members and later open up to non-equity members.

• This must be clearly defined in the bylaws, including voting rights and procedures for selling equity shares.
• It’s a flexible model that allows growth while maintaining structure.

What If Your Club Doesn’t Have Much Cash?

Not every club starts with deep pockets. Here are several creative ways to acquire an aircraft with limited funds:

1. Form an Equity Club

Even with limited cash, you can pool resources among a few committed members.

• Example: A $100,000 aircraft split among four members is just $25,000 each.
• Members can finance their share individually through aviation lenders or personal loans.
• Once the aircraft is acquired, you can open the club to non-equity members to help cover operating costs.

2. Club Loan

The club itself can take out a loan to purchase an aircraft.

• Members pay monthly dues that cover the loan repayment.
• A bank will typically require a guarantor, someone with good credit, who agrees to back the loan.
• This model works well for clubs with strong leadership and a clear business plan.

3. Lease-to-Own Agreement

Negotiate with an aircraft owner to lease the plane with an option to buy.

• This spreads out the cost and gives the club time to build membership and revenue.
• Terms should be clearly defined in a written agreement.

4. Partnership with a Flight School

• Talking with a local flight school to perhaps send newly minted private pilots towards the flight club could really help drive interest.
• In return to the flight school, you could send prospective students towards the school.

Starting a flying club is more than just finding an airplane, it’s about building a sustainable, welcoming community of aviators. Whether you're exploring leaseback options, pooling equity, or partnering with a flight school, there are creative and cost-effective ways to get airborne. Don’t let limited funds or lack of aircraft hold you back. Talk to your airport manager, connect with local pilots, and explore every opportunity. And if you need help listing your club, brainstorming acquisition strategies, or navigating the startup process, reach out to me or Cade, we’re here to help your club take flight.