​SINCE 1938
FAQ
WHAT KIND OF ORGANIZATION IS THE JAC?
We are a 501 (C)(7) non-profit social club. Our members share in the operation and maintenance of our aircraft, and the hourly rate they pay to fly goes towards maintenance and upgrades. We have no paid staff.
HOW AVAILABLE ARE YOUR AIRCRAFT?
According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the average aircraft in a flying club is in the air less than 10% of the time it could be. As AOPA puts it:
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"Even the most active aircraft in a flying club spend much of their time on the ground. This should ease the minds of pilots who have never belonged to a club and are concerned about being able to fly whenever they want."
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The Jersey Aero Club is no exception. While some days our planes are busy, on others, multiple aircraft may sit unused. If you book your flights a few days in advance, availability is rarely an issue—ensuring you get the flight time you need, when you want it!
WHAT DOES YOUR CURRENT MEMBERSHIP LOOK LIKE?
We have about 125 members. We have members who are airline captains, machinists, small-business owners, computer programmers, CEO's, truck drivers, doctors, college professors, engineers, teachers, retired members of the military, real-estate agents, students, law-enforcement officers, housewives, air-traffic controllers, firefighters, aircraft mechanics, contractors, etc.
ARE YOU A FLIGHT SCHOOL?
No. However, our members who are not yet rated pilots can learn to fly and get advanced ratings in club aircraft. About six certified flight instructors currently give instruction, perform check rides, and give biannual flight reviews to our members.
HOW ARE YOUR PLANES MAINTAINED?
When we discover maintenance issues, we get them fixed as quickly as possible. Each aircraft has a dedicated trustee that is responsible for coordinating aircraft maintenance. We have a close working relationship with our aircraft mechanics and shops.
WHAT NON-FLYING ACTIVITIES DOES THE CLUB OFFER?
We have socials, club flights, aircraft cleaning parties, and membership meetings. We also take aviation-related tours, attend air shows, and fly to cool places together. We are a social club, and all members are expected to be involved and give back. If you only want to fly, we are not the club for you and recommend that you buy your own plane, rent, or join a partnership.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FLYING CLUB AND A FLIGHT SCHOOL?
The main difference between the club and a flight school is that once you’re a member, you own an equal share of each of the club’s airplanes. When you fly with the club, you can enjoy lower rates because there is virtually no overhead cost. Unlike a flight school, the club is a community; it promotes social environments for members to meet one another and hang out.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE A MEMBER?
The cost of joining the club is $1400 and this is a one-time, non-refundable fee. Membership dues are $90 per month.
(Dues & Initiation Fees subject to board adjustment - contact us for latest rates)
HOW DO I JOIN?
Header over to our membership page for more specific details
IS ANY PRIOR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY?
Absolutely not! As a member, you can meet with one of the board-approved flight instructors who will start you from square one as you work towards your pilot’s license or advanced ratings.
IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF HOURS I CAN FLY?
No, you can fly as much as you want. We do have rolling scheduling limits so everyone gets fair access to the planes.
CAN I PAY YOU TO FLY ME SOMEWHERE?
No, we do not do charter flights or flying for hire of any kind.