FAQ

Who is eligible for membership the Armed Forces Aero Club (AFAC) ?
How do I get information about joining the Club ?
What is the average cost of getting a license ?
What is the cost to join the AFAC ?
Does the Club conduct meetings, fly-ins, or social gatherings ?
How will I be billed ?
How are the flight hours determined ?
Are there minimum flight hour times ?
What are the aircraft requirements to fly the club planes ?
What are the medical requirements to fly the club planes ?
Are there other restrictions that I need to be aware of ?
How do I schedule an airplane ?
Why should I join AFAC over other Clubs ?

Who is eligible for membership the Armed Forces Aero Club (AFAC) ?

AFAC is open to Veterans of Military Service, employees of the Federal Government, the State of California, the County of San Diego, employees of Cities located in San Diego County, members of the Armed Forces or the organized reserve components of the Armed Services, retired members of any of the above organizations, and the dependents and immediate family members of any active Club Member. Service academy midshipmen or cadets, college students enrolled in an ROTC program, and basic or advanced student pilots with no military or civil service affiliation are also eligible. If you have any questions or doubts as to your eligibility, contact anyone of the Board members listed.

How do I get information about joining the Club ?

Contact any of the Board Members listed on the Club Information page or you can call 858-874-AFAC (2322) and leave your name and number.

What is the average cost of getting a license ?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a minimum of 40 hours total flight time before you are eligible to test for and receive a Private Pilot Certificate. The approximate minimums to accomplish this would include 10 solo aircraft hours, 30 dual (with instructor) aircraft hours and about 15 ground instruction hours. Using AFAC average prices for a Cessna 172 at $135.00 per hour and an average instructor flight/ground rate of $60.00 per hour, you could expect to pay approximately $8,100. Equipment and check-ride examiner’s fee would add an additional approximately $1,500. However, FAA studies report that the national training average is 71 hours (42 dual and 29 solo). Assuming club rates for 71 aircraft hours, 42 flight instruction hours, 21 ground instruction hours, would result in a cost of $13,365.

What is the cost to join the AFAC ?

The initial membership fee is $99.00. Monthly dues are $50.00. Active member's spouses and dependents may join by paying a one time $10.00 fee and a $10.00 per month dues. The $99.00 membership fee is waived for spouses and dependents. There is an optional Individual Deduction Plan which costs $3.00 per month, paid on an annual basis. This provides protection for up to $1000.00 for damage to the aircraft while under your control.

Does the Club conduct meetings, fly-ins, or social gatherings ?

Yes. The Club conducts membership meetings in February, May, September, and December on dates announced by email and in the monthly "Brief Sheet" newsletter, which is posted under Club Information. The Executive Board meets monthly on the third Wednesday of every month. Fly-ins can be conducted any time that a member(s) wish to organize one. The Club conducts an annual fly-out for local youth organizations, an annual weekend fly-in to a nearby airport, and a yearly Christmas dinner with a rolling gift exchange.

How will I be billed ?

Members are billed by email invoice each month for flight time from the previous month and dues for the current month. Payment in full is required by the 20th of each month. Payment of instructor fees are arranged between the student and the instructor and is not reflected on your monthly bill.

How are the flight hours determined ?

When you fly the aircraft, you log both Hobbs meter (clock) and tachometer (tach) start time into the aircraft logbook. Upon completion of your flight, you log the ending Hobbs and tach times. Flight hours are billed on Hobbs time (changed from previous method in July 05). At the end of each month, the Operations and Safety Officer completes each aircraft logbook and gives them to the Treasurer who tracks individual billed hours. Tach times are logged and tracked for maintenance purposes.

Are there minimum flight hour times ?

Yes. Minimums are in effect only when an aircraft is scheduled for more than four hours in a day. They do not apply to student pilots on cross-country flights. The Single Engine Land (SEL) Fixed Gear (FG) aircraft all have a 1 hour per day minimum on both week days and weekends.

What are the aircraft requirements to fly the club planes ?

You must be a member to fly or instruct in AFAC aircraft. Student pilots are evaluated and certified by the instructor to fly a particular aircraft. Certificated pilots are required to have a Club checkout by a Club Instructor. If you are a Certified Flight Instructor and wish to instruct in the Club, you are required to have a Standardization checkout by the Club Training Officer. Other requirements for the SEL FG aircraft are student pilot certificate or higher.

What are the medical requirements to fly the club planes ?

Students flying solo or certificated pilots must either be in possession of a current FAA Class III medical certificate or higher, or be in compliance with the FAA's Basic Med rules.

Are there other restrictions that I need to be aware of ?

Yes. If you reserve a plane for five or more consecutive days, fly a distance of 1000 nautical miles or greater, or your planned flight requires that you land on unimproved runways (dirt, grass, etc) you will need a Board member's review and approval.

How do I schedule an airplane ?

This is easy. Simply log on 24/7 to Schedule Master with the logon and password provided to you when you join the club.

Why should I join AFAC over other Clubs ?

The Club has a fleet of three well maintained airplanes, two Cessna Skyhawks (C172) including one equipped with glass flight instruments and GPS owned by the club, and one leased aircraft - an auto-pilot equipped Piper Archer II (PA28). It is easy to schedule an aircraft, and it is generally available at the time you want it if scheduled a few days in advance. The Club has priority with the Gibbs Service Center mechanics for scheduled maintenance and to fix problems that may come up. The Club enjoys an excellent safety record. Although not required since AFAC members are considered to be owners of the aircraft and the aircraft are not flown for hire, we accomplish 50 and 100 hour inspections on each aircraft. The Club enjoys a diverse membership and wonderful social gatherings.