We're a flying club based at KABE, and we've been at it since 1956. Good planes, good people, and plenty of reasons to go flying.
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Years of Flying
3
Piper Archers
KABE
Class C Airport
What We're About
Flying together since 1956.
LVFC has been flying out of KABE since 1956. We maintain three well-equipped Piper Archers, hold monthly meetings, and organize fly-outs throughout the year.
Affordable Rates
All aircraft are billed wet on Tach time — you pay only for engine-running time, which typically results in fewer billable hours than Hobbs-based FBO rentals.
Active Club
Monthly meetings, organized fly-outs, hangar gatherings, and seasonal events. An engaged group of pilots who take both flying and safety seriously.
3 Well-Equipped Planes
All three Piper Archers are IFR-capable with modern avionics — WAAS GPS, ADS-B, and autopilots. Maintained to a high standard and available for member use.
Based at KABE
Lehigh Valley International is a Class C airport with two long runways and 24/7 tower control — solid infrastructure for both VFR and IFR operations.
Hangar 5
Our dedicated hangar includes a clubhouse, flight planning station, WiFi, and member lockers. All aircraft are kept on Tanis heaters year-round.
Great Availability
With 3 aircraft and a manageable membership size, finding a time to fly is rarely an issue. When you're ready to go, the planes are available.
Our Aircraft
The Fleet
N52326
2001 Piper Archer III · IFR · Dual GNS 430W
N2885D
1978 Piper Archer II · IFR · GNS 530W
N39DR
1976 Piper Archer II · IFR · GFC 500 Autopilot
Interested in joining?
We're happy to answer questions or have you attend a meeting as a guest.
Our Aircraft
The Fleet
Three Piper Archers, all IFR-equipped and well-maintained. Billed wet on Tach time at /hr.
N52326
2001 Piper Archer III
Model PA-28-181
/ Tach hr · Wet
IFR Certified
Dual Garmin G5s
Dual Garmin GNS 430W
S-TEC 55X Autopilot w/ Altitude Preselect
EDM 700 Engine Analyzer
Garmin GTX 345 Transponder (ADS-B In/Out)
Garmin GMA 340 Audio Panel
N2885D
1978 Piper Archer II
PA-28-181
/ Tach hr · Wet
IFR Certified
Garmin GNS 530W
King KX155 NAV/COMM
Piper Autocontrol IIIB Autopilot
EDM 700 Engine Analyzer
Garmin GTX 345 Transponder (ADS-B In/Out)
PS Engineering PMA Audio Panel
N39DR
1976 Piper Archer II
PA-28-181
/ Tach hr · Wet
IFR Certified
Dual Garmin G5s
Garmin GNS 530W
King KX155 NAV/COMM
Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot
Garmin GTX 345 Transponder (ADS-B In/Out)
Garmin GMA 345 Audio Panel
Where We Fly
Facilities
We're at home at KABE — and Hangar 5 is the kind of place you'll want to hang around even after the flight is done.
7,599 ft
Primary Runway
5,800 ft
Secondary Runway
24/7
Tower Controlled
KABE
ICAO Identifier
Lehigh Valley International Airport
KABE is a great home base. Class C airspace means you're talking to controllers regularly, the runways are long, and the airport has everything you need within walking distance of our hangar.
Two runways: 7,599 ft and 5,800 ft
Controlled airspace, 24/7/365
Multiple on-site maintenance shops
Minutes from Queen City (KXLL) and Braden Airpark (N43)
"Hamburger flights" to Reading, Lancaster, Blairstown & more
Hangar 5
This is where the club really lives. All three planes have Tanis heaters, so they're ready to go even on cold mornings. There's a battery tug, member lockers, and room to work on things.
Capacity for up to four aircraft
Dedicated maintenance area
Battery tug on site
Member lockers
East Race St. Entrance 16, LVIA (KABE)
The Clubhouse at Hangar 5
After a flight, it's nice to have somewhere to sit down. Our clubhouse has a flight planning computer, WiFi, a big screen TV, a printer, and snacks. Members tend to stick around.
Flight planning area with PC
Wireless internet throughout the clubhouse and hangar
Printer and copier — phone/tablet compatible
Flat screen TV with screen mirroring
Snacks — water, ice cream, soda, and more
Questions?
We get asked a lot.
Here are the ones that come up most. If yours isn't here, just email us.
How do I get more information about the club?
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Just email us at information@lvfc.org — someone will get back to you. We're also happy to have you stop by a meeting or come see the hangar.
How do I join LVFC?
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The easiest first step is coming to one of our monthly meetings or dropping us an email at information@lvfc.org. We'll walk you through the process — there's no hard sell, just a conversation about the club.
What aircraft do you have?
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Three Piper Archers — a 2001 Archer III (N52326) and two Archer IIs from 1978 (N2885D) and 1976 (N39DR). All three are IFR with modern avionics. Full specs are on the Fleet page.
What does it cost to fly?
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All three planes are /hr, billed wet on Tach time. Wet means fuel is included — no surprises at the pump. Tach time means you're only paying while the engine is running, which usually works out to fewer billed hours than Hobbs-based FBO rentals.
What's the difference between Tach and Hobbs billing?
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Hobbs runs any time the master switch is on. Tach time only counts while the engine is actually turning at cruise RPM — so taxi time, run-ups, and idle don't accumulate at the same rate. In practice it usually saves you a noticeable amount per flight compared to FBO Hobbs billing.
Does LVFC organize events outside of flying?
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Yes. Our social committee organizes fly-outs, hangar gatherings, and seasonal events throughout the year. Monthly meetings typically include a presentation and time to connect with other members.
Something we didn't cover? Just ask.
Get in Touch
Contact Us
Questions about membership or the aircraft? Email us and someone will follow up.
KABE – Hangar 5 Lehigh Valley International Airport
LVIA (KABE) — East Race St. Entrance 16
Nearby Airports
Queen City Airport (KXLL)
Braden Airpark (N43)
Monthly Meetings
First Wednesday of each month — Hangar 5, 7:00 PM Prospective members are welcome to attend as guests.
Membership
How to Join
Four steps to becoming an Active Member — here's what to expect.
LVFC welcomes pilots of all experience levels — from recently certificated private pilots to airline captains, military aviators, and experienced instructors. If you'd like to attend a meeting as a guest, or get a tour of the planes and facilities before committing, just email us at information@lvfc.org.
Steps to Active Membership
1
Complete a Membership Application
The application gives us a chance to learn about your aviation background and your interest in the club. Download, complete, and bring it to your first membership meeting.
Bring your completed application to the next monthly membership meeting. Your application will be read aloud, you'll introduce yourself to the assembled members, and there will be an opportunity for questions. If a voting quorum is present — and it almost always is — the club will vote on your application that evening. Membership meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at Hangar 5.
3
Pay Your Initiation Fee and First Month's Dues
If elected, you'll pay the initiation fee and your first month's dues by credit card at the meeting. You're then an Active Member.
4
Complete Your Orientation and Checkout
The Membership Coordinator will meet with you at Hangar 5 to cover the club's rules and regulations, the aircraft scheduling system, and hangar procedures. Once you've completed your checkout with a club instructor, you're cleared to fly.
Fees & Dues
Active Member Initiation Fee$1,000
Active Member Monthly Dues$90 / mo
Aircraft Rate (all three planes) / Tach hr · Wet
Fees, dues, and aircraft rates are subject to change. All payments are by credit card. Contact us at information@lvfc.org to confirm current rates before applying.
What's Going On
Events
Recurring club activities and special events throughout the year.
Recurring Events
Monthly Membership Meeting
Held the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at Hangar 5. Typically includes a presentation, club business, and time to connect with fellow members. Prospective members are welcome to attend as guests.
Fly-Outs & Social Events
Throughout the year our social committee organizes fly-outs to local destinations, hangar cookouts, and seasonal gatherings. Details are announced at monthly meetings and via club communications.
Featured Event
LVFC Summer Air Rally 2026
May 1 – Labor Day 2026
Active
May 1 – Labor Day 2026
$50 Entry Fee
Active & Sustaining Members
Club or Private Aircraft
A club-wide flying challenge designed to get members in the air, exploring new destinations, and sharing great aviation experiences. Land at featured airports across the region, complete bonus missions, and earn raffle entries for prizes. This is not a race — it's about safe flying, discovering new places, and building stronger connections within the club.
Earn points by landing at designated Rally airports — each airport counts once per participant
Multiple members on the same flight each earn full points
Flying with another club member earns +2 bonus points each
Complete all five airports in a category for a +25 bonus
Visit multiple airports on the same day — all count
Instructional flights qualify — both CFI and student earn points
Entry Bonuses
Enter by May 1 → +5 bonus points
Enter by June 1 → +2 bonus points
Enter by July 1 → +1 bonus point
After July 1 → no entry bonus
Members may enter anytime between May 1 and August 1
Only flights completed after entry count toward Rally points
Bonus Missions
Complete adventure-based challenges for extra points — worth 10–15 points each, completable at any airport unless otherwise specified. Examples include:
Overnight trip
Airport camping
Multi-state flying day
Landing at a Class B airport
Flying with the most different club members
Finding the lowest fuel price
Most airports in a single day
Longest runway visited
Additional missions may be announced during the summer.
Prizes & Recognition
Every point earned = one raffle entry — more flying, better odds
Once you win a raffle prize you're removed from further raffle draws, but remain eligible for judged awards
Rally Champion (highest total points) receives a commemorative trophy
Judged awards: Best Photo, Best Video, Best Story, Club Spirit, Humor & Creativity
Celebration hangar awards event at end of summer
Tracking Flights
Flights are submitted through the official Rally form. Verification may include a photo at the destination, a ForeFlight track log, or a FlightAware track. The Rally runs on the honor system — this event is about fun, adventure, and club camaraderie. Please fly safely, use good judgment, and help make it a great summer for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?+
All Active and Sustaining Members of LVFC are welcome. Sustaining Members can participate by flying as passengers with Active Members or in privately owned aircraft.
Do flights have to be in club aircraft?+
No. Flights may be completed in club aircraft or privately owned aircraft. The Rally is about participation, adventure, and club spirit — not aircraft ownership.
Can two members earn full points on the same flight?+
Yes. When two qualifying members are aboard, both earn full points for each eligible airport landing, plus the +2 member participation bonus. Only two members per flight may earn points.
Do instructional flights count?+
Yes. Instructional flights qualify, and both the CFI and the student may earn points.
What is the category completion bonus?+
Each category contains five airports. Land at all five and earn an additional +25 bonus points. This bonus may be earned for multiple categories.
Is this a race?+
No. There are no rewards for completing destinations first. The Rally is about safe flying, great experiences, and club participation.
How does the raffle work?+
Every point earned becomes one raffle entry. Once a participant wins a raffle prize, they are removed from further raffle drawings but remain eligible for judged awards.
When does the Rally end?+
All flights must be completed by midnight on Labor Day. Final submissions are due the Sunday following Labor Day.
Is this a fundraiser?+
No. The club is sponsoring the initial prize pool. Entry fees are used to expand the available prizes.
