Many times, when members and non-members alike reach out to the flying club team here at AOPA, they don’t really know what You Can Fly and what the Flying Club Initiative is. AOPA’s You Can Fly, which is supported by donations, was created to help further grow general aviation through high schools, rusty pilots, flight training experience, and flying clubs. Feel free to read more here https://youcanfly.aopa.org/.
Starting a New Club
One of AOPA’s core missions is to make flying more accessible and affordable for everyone. The Flying Clubs Initiative is a key part of that mission. We work directly with aspiring club founders to help start, grow, and sustain flying clubs across the country.
During the startup phase, we provide hands-on guidance through every step of the process. This includes:
Occasionally, new clubs encounter confusion at their local airport manager about what a flying club is. In most cases, a simple conversation with the airport sponsor—referencing FAA Order 5190.6B, Change 3—can clear things up. It’s critical that flying clubs are formed properly. This order clarifies that flying clubs must be treated as individuals, not commercial operators, and therefore are not subject to the same standards as flight schools.
We also assist with questions about:
If you're an AOPA Pilot Protection Services (PPS) member, we can even connect you with an aviation attorney if needed—though most clubs can get started without legal assistance.
New this year, the Flying Clubs Initiative is launching “Max Fun, Min Cost” webinars tailored to specific regions. These sessions help local pilots learn how flying clubs work, how to start one, and the many benefits they offer. Depending on your location, we may even be able to attend a club meeting in person—or join virtually via webinar.
Flying Club Finder
Looking to join or start a flying club? The AOPA Flying Club Finder is your go-to tool for exploring flying clubs across the United States. Whether you're searching for a club near your home airport or looking to list your own, this resource makes it easy to connect with the aviation community.
The Finder features two types of listings:
With the Flying Club Finder, you can:
Even better, the Finder is fully integrated into the AOPA Airport Directory. That means you don’t have to search separately—just look up an airport, and you’ll see any flying clubs based there.
Here are some steps on how to use the Flying Club Finder…
And more on the Flying Club Finder…
You can also submit an existing club or add a club in formation. Both links are on the flying club finder webpage. We will add your club information to the finder! If you are an AOPA member we will give you access to update your own flying club as much as you’d like. If you are a non-member you will have to contact a staff member of the flying club initiative to update your club.
Looking to connect with fellow flying club enthusiasts? Don’t miss out on the AOPA Flying Club Network on Facebook—a vibrant online community where club leaders, members, and aspiring founders come together to share ideas, solve problems, and grow stronger clubs.
In this group, you can:
Whether you're running a well-established club or just getting started, this group is a fantastic resource to learn, share, and connect with others who are passionate about affordable flying.
Stay Connected with The Club Connector
The Club Connector is AOPA’s monthly newsletter series designed specifically for flying club leaders, members, and anyone interested in becoming part of a flying club community. We highly encourage all aviation enthusiasts to subscribe and stay informed.
Each month, The Club Connector delivers three focused articles:
Ready To Stay Informed and Inspired?
Visit our website to subscribe and never miss an update from the flying club community.
Keeping Your Flying Club Engaged and Growing
Once your flying club is fully established, maintaining member engagement becomes essential to its long-term success. Active participation not only strengthens the sense of community but also ensures that members stay informed, involved, and invested in the club’s future.
We strongly recommend holding monthly club meetings. These gatherings are a great opportunity to:
As FAA Safety Team (FAAST) representatives, Cade and I are available to host safety seminars—either virtually or in person. Attending a FAAST webinar or seminar can earn participants WINGS credit through the FAA, which contributes towards meeting the requirements for a flight review. Remember, to complete a flight review through WINGS, pilots need three knowledge activities and three flight activities.
Beyond safety, there’s a financial incentive too: insurance discounts. If your club hosts a FAAST presentation and can document full member participation, many insurance providers will offer reduced premiums. Why? Because clubs that engage in safety education demonstrate a proactive approach to risk mitigation, something insurers value highly.
It’s also well-documented that pilots who participate in the WINGS program are statistically safer and more proficient.
Even if a seminar isn’t hosted by your club, we encourage members to attend any FAAST event. And if your club encounters legal questions, airport-related issues, or is considering purchasing or leasing another aircraft, Cade and I are here to help guide you through those processes as well.
Valuable Resources, Tools, and Templates—Available only to AOPA Members.
Another great benefit of having an AOPA membership is access to our flying club downloadable resources. We keep these resources as updated as possible as we learn about changes within the flying club world. Some of the resources we offer are…
And so much more! If you have any questions about anything on our downloadable resources page, please feel free to call myself or Cade.
Well, there you have it…resources and help available to you from the flying club initiative here at AOPA. As always if you have any questions about anything regarding flying clubs, even if not listed, always feel free to call or email us. Whether you're dreaming of starting a flying club, looking to join one, or simply exploring ways to make aviation more accessible and enjoyable, the AOPA Flying Club Initiative is here to support you every step of the way. From expert guidance and legal resources to community-building tools like the Flying Club Finder and Facebook group, there’s a wealth of support waiting for you. So don’t hesitate—reach out, get involved, and let’s keep the spirit of general aviation soaring together!
