FREDERICK, MD – The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) campaign to grow the number of flying clubs in the United States reached a new milestone recently when the 400th club joined AOPA’s Flying Club Network.
AOPA has also just launched a new version of the online “Flying Club Finder,” which allows individuals to find a club in their area. (http://www.aopa.org/finder) A map-based interface shows details of 415 clubs in the AOPA Flying Club Network, plus another 133 clubs currently in the process of formation.
AOPA established the Flying Club Network to share information and best-practices among clubs, and to give a stronger collective voice to flying clubs. AOPA is also working on programs to assist flying clubs with marketing, insurance, financing and legal support.
There is no charge to be a member of the Flying Club Network.
AOPA’s own research has shown that many new pilots abandon flying due to the cost or the absence of a local flying community. Since flying clubs provide the most economical means to fly, they are being promoted by AOPA.