One common question we get from many flying clubs is, “How can I keep my members engaged?”. During the pandemic, virtual meetings became the primary method of communication. However, many flying clubs have since discovered that in-person meetings offer much more value. Although virtual opportunities can seem more convenient, they overlook many of the reasons a member may join the club in the first place. To keep members engaged, focus on creating an environment where they can share fun stories, reminisce about their 100-dollar hamburger, discuss memorable (or even scary) flying experiences, and enjoy great food together. It’s easy for a club to unintentionally transform into more of a rental operation than a flying club. Remember, the heart of the club lies in fostering connections and celebrating the shared passion for aviation.
To keep your flying club members engaged, hold regular meetings to share information and encourage participation. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to discuss what is happening within the club, as well as any leadership changes that may be on the horizon. During these meetings, it is essential to solicit feedback from your members. After all, for the club to thrive, your members need to feel connected and motivated to remain an active part of the community.
Involving the flying club in decision-making opportunities will keep members engaged and invested. It should never be a matter of club vs. board of directors or president. Instead, encourage open discussion where problems are addressed as a team. Fostering a collaborative, solution-oriented environment will also ensure that when the time comes for a club member to step into a leadership role, the transition will be smooth. People will always leave the club occasionally and you’ll need to be prepared to fill these roles. Term limits and service requirements can be a good way to facilitate this.
Now we get to the fun stuff, the reasons we started a flying club in the first place: enjoying aircraft and airport comradery, sharing stories between low time and experienced pilots, and hanging out at the airport. We recommend setting aside a small portion of the club’s budget for food and social events, so your club members can enjoy each other’s company. Someone in the club may even have a grill to lend for an event.
When I was part of the Clearview Flying Club right here in Maryland, they did a phenomenal job of keeping fun activities going on and off the field. Many of these activities were low cost as well. We had movie nights under the stars, club meetings, fly-ins, fly-outs, and even went to see new movies together in theaters. Plane wash days were a great way to bring everyone, including their families, to the airport to enjoy each other’s company. The value of getting people to an airport is extremely high. I felt this while being a student pilot.
Another activity flying clubs can host is a safety meeting. This is something Cade and I can do as we are both FAAST team members. Typically, we can host these meetings via webinar or in person (depending on location). Having all of your club members complete the phases of WINGS can potentially lead to lower insurance premiums. Shoot us an email to find out more.
Facebook, Instagram, and X are also great ways to attract new members and boost engagement. As social media continues to be a way for companies to communicate, the same applies to Flying Clubs. We recommend using these resources (and your own website) to continue to engage members. Making posts about upcoming events or meetings, safety quizzes, and tips when flying are great ways to use these platforms. The AOPA Flying Clubs initiative also has a Facebook page where club members from around the country can communicate about best practices.
To keep flying club members engaged, it's essential to host regular club meetings that include fun activities like sharing stories, discussing experiences, and enjoying food together. Involving members in decision-making and leadership roles is crucial, ensuring a collaborative environment rather than a divide between the club and its board of directors. Organizing social events, safety meetings, and leveraging social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X can help attract and retain members.
Maintaining a vibrant and engaged flying club requires a mix of regular interaction, shared decision-making, and fun social activities. By fostering a sense of community and leveraging modern communication tools, your flying club can thrive and keep members excited about their participation.
