How to Join LVFC

 

The Lehigh Valley Flying Club is for certified pilots, but students and social members are also welcome.  Join the camaraderie of fellow members who share your interests.  Enjoy our activities and friendly hangar flying while learning more about aviation and sharing the costs.  You can fly off on your own for that dream vacation, or a long weekend, without the hassle normally involved with trying to rent a plane from an FBO.  We are not an FBO and do not rent aircraft!  Every member is an equal owner of all the aircraft and shares equally in the costs of operating those aircraft.

We currently have Two IFR certified aircraft: A Piper Archer II (180 HP) and a Piper Archer III (180 HP) .  Check out our Aircraft.

Earn your Rating

Primary flight instruction in our Piper Archer II is available from a few of our club members who are FAA Certified Instructors.  Training towards the  instrument rating is available from a few club members who are FAA Certified Instructors in any of the club aircraft.

Experimental Aircraft Construction and Aviation Related Youth Development

To promote recreational aviation, such as ultralight and experimental aircraft construction, we formed an EAA Committee and joined EAA Chapter #70.  In addition to the EAA Chapter we formed the Aviation Post 310.  This is an action-oriented youth development program centered around aviation careers for youth ages 14 (and completed 8th grade) or 15 through 20.  The purpose of our Exploring Post is to provide aviation related experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.

A Stable Organization

The Club was founded in 1956 as the Slatington Flying Club.  As more members from around the Lehigh Valley joined, the Club grew and moved to the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton (ABE) Airport.  The name was changed to the Lehigh Valley Flying Club.  We are very proud of the way our Club has grown and prospered.

Financially Sound

The Club establishes an annual budget for both scheduled expenses such as insurance, hangar lease, engine overhauls, as well as unexpected repairs.  Because of advance planning, we have never had to assess members for unforeseen expenditures.  Monthly Club dues pay for the fixed expenses while hourly flying rates cover variable flying costs such as fuel and engine overhauls.

Hourly Costs

We charge ourselves for each hour we fly the aircraft.  This hourly rate is based on tachometer time instead of a Hobbs meter.  Depending on what type of flying, cross country versus training, our experience shows that the tachometer often records 10% to 20% less than the Hobbs meter.

Well Maintained Aircraft

Club aircraft are maintained in top condition. Club plane captains, supplemented by commercial certified mechanics do whatever is necessary to keep our planes airworthy.  Safety is never compromised.  If work needs to be done or parts need to be replaced on an aircraft, it is done expeditiously.  Each aircraft has a "Plane Captain" assigned to it who is responsible for keeping an eye on that plane.  In addition, they perform the routine owner allowed maintenance: oil changes, spark plug replacement, etc.  The Plane Captain and Club volunteers also assist the mechanics to perform annual inspections.  This reduces costs and further educates the Captain, which results in a better maintained aircraft.

Easy Scheduling of Aircraft

Spur of the moment flights are a reality.  We utilize a web based scheduling system that enables you to check club aircraft schedules, reserve a plane and find out about Club events from the Web.  This system, provided by ClubScheduling.com, also allows you to reserve or cancel your plane reservations wherever and whenever the need occurs.  Did someone else reserve your plane?  Go ahead and schedule that aircraft anyway, you will be added as a backup reservation!  If the other pilot cancels their reservation, your reservation automatically becomes primary and you will be notified, by email, that your plane is available.  Spend more time flying, instead of juggling reservations.  If you are interested in viewing or scheduling system in real time just select "Login/Register" button.  Then enter the ID: "guest" and Password:  "lvfcguest" and then select "Scheduling System" and you can go ahead and see our aircraft availability. 

Club Hangar and Clubhouse

The Club has a facility that houses all of our planes, our maintenance equipment and Clubhouse under one roof.  Directions and how to gain access the clubhouse.

How to Join LVFC

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