How it works

A club, not a school

River City Flying Club doesn’t employ instructors or sell training to the public — we’re a non-profit social club. But current members are welcome to train with our Board-approved independent CFI in the club aircraft, the same airplane you’ll fly as a member long after you’re certificated.

Why this is different from a flight school. The club leases and flies the aircraft itself, so members have every reason to keep it in excellent shape. Because member volunteers handle much of the upkeep and scheduling, costs stay lower than a commercial operation — and you’re training alongside people who’ll be your flying community for years, not moving through a syllabus as a customer.

Why train with us

Built around the aircraft you'll actually fly

01

One aircraft, start to finish

Train in the club’s leased Cessna 172S — the same airplane you’ll book as a member once you’re certificated. No switching aircraft partway through.

02

Transparent, member costs

You pay the club’s standard wet rate for the airplane and your instructor directly for their time — no school overhead built into the price.

03

A club behind you

Mentorship from fellow members, fly-ins and safety meetings to learn from, and a community that’s invested in seeing you finish.

Getting started

From member to pilot

STEP 01

Apply for membership

Flight instruction is arranged directly between members and the club’s CFI, so it starts with the same application every member completes.

STEP 02

Schedule with the CFI

Once you’re a member, connect with our Board-approved instructor to set a training schedule that fits your pace and the aircraft’s availability.

STEP 03

Start flying

Work toward a private certificate, an additional rating, or simply currency and proficiency — on your timeline, in the club’s aircraft.

What to expect

Simple, transparent rates

One-time initiation
$500
Non-refundable, due at orientation
Monthly dues
$60 / mo
Flat — regardless of hours flown
Aircraft wet rate
$150 / hr
Fuel, oil & maintenance included
Instructor fees are separate. Your CFI sets and bills their own instruction rate directly — contact us for current pricing. Most pilots complete a private pilot certificate in 50–70 hours of flight time, plus ground instruction and self-study, though the FAA minimum is 40 hours. Total cost varies by pilot and pace.

Resources

Good places to start

Ready when you are

Ready to start training?

Reach out and we’ll connect you with our CFI and walk you through membership.

Join River City Flying Club