The Charleston AFB Aero Club is a chance for you to experience General Aviation in a safe and friendly environment. It allows an outlet for entertainment like no other. There is no other activity that offers the same freedom and exhilaration that flying does.
The Charleston AFB Aero Club is the perfect place to meet and socialize with other aviation enthusiasts. A comfortable lounge area, weather room, vending machines, and classrooms surrounded by aircraft. Where are you more likely to find hangar flying than in the hangar?
The Charleston AFB Aero Club is the opportunity to become a safer and more proficient pilot. Our professional instructors are always willing to answer questions or to add that bit of insight that makes your flight that much smoother. With monthly safety meetings, the Aero Club will strive to make you one of the safest pilots in the air.
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Active duty military, their families, retired military and their dependents, reserve armed service members, Department of Defense personnel, Federal Employees, Civil Air Patrol, and certain other government employees are all eligible to become members of the Aero Club. TOP^
The initiation fee for the Aero Club is $35. If you have been a member of an Aero Club in the past and hold a letter of good standing, you will not be required to pay the initiation fee. You can pick up the membership application at the front office. We will need to make copies of your ID, pilot certificate, and FAA medical certificate. We will also need to make copies of your birth certificate or valid US passport for proof of citizenship. TOP^
You must pass at least two written tests. The first is an annual standardization test. It is an open book test over flying regulations and club policies. (Don't panic!! It is open book and we have all of the reference material available in the club).
The second test is a type specific airplane test. It is over performance, limitations and aircraft operations. The first half is open book. The Emergency Procedures portion will be done from memory. Each aircraft test will have to be taken only once.
An aircraft checkout in each make and model of airplane you wish to fly will also have to be completed. To fly all six club aircraft, you will have to take 3 flights. (C172/T-41, C172RG, & PA-23)
If you have an instrument rating, you will need to pass an instrument check flight each year if you want to use your instrument privileges in an Aero Club airplane.
A night check flight will be needed to orient you with the local area at night. Night can be confusing and we want to give you every advantage to have a successful flight. If you wish to travel beyond 50 NM from Charleston at night, you will need to file and IFR flight plan.
There are also recent experience requirements. These vary depending on your flight hours. If it has been a while since you have flown, any of our flight instructors can help you "knock the rust off." TOP^
Any of our Flight Instructors can fly with you for a checkout flight and grade your written test. The time can usually be put toward a Flight Review or an Instrument Proficiency Check depending on the flight.
TOP^Membership dues are $25.00 per month. Also All flying members are required to attend safety meetings which are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. These meetings are held at the Aero Club and are open to anyone with an interest in aviation.
An annual standardization flight and annual test must also be completed. There are also recent experience requirements. These vary depending on your flight hours. If it has been a while since you have flown, any of our flight instructors can help you "knock the rust off."
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