What is an equity-sharing flying club?
An equity-sharing flying club is one where the members collectively own the aircraft rather than renting access to a club-owned plane. Each member buys an ownership share — equity — in the aircraft at joining. Major decisions (which aircraft to buy, what the policies are, how dues are structured) are made by member vote. When you leave, you sell your share to an incoming member. It’s a co-ownership model, not a subscription.
How is this different from just renting at an FBO?
In several important ways. When you rent from an FBO, you’re paying a high hourly rate for a plane someone else owns and someone else makes decisions about. You have no say in how it’s maintained, what avionics it has, or when it’s available. With South Shore Flyers, you’re an owner. Your hourly cost is structured to cover actual operating expenses, not a rental profit margin. You vote on the aircraft, the policies, and the standards. And the community is part of the value — you’re not just a customer.
Do I need a pilot certificate to join?
No. You do not need any pilot certificate to become a founding member and equity co-owner of the club. Non-pilot members — aviation enthusiasts, builders, people working on their certificate — are welcome. You’ll need to complete a type-specific checkout before flying club aircraft, but membership and ownership are open to anyone committed to the club’s mission and willing to participate actively.
How does aircraft scheduling work?
Exact scheduling policies will be set by founding members. We’re planning an online scheduling system (accessible via phone or computer) with a defined reservation window and reasonable per-member time limits to ensure equitable access. We’re intentionally keeping the member-to-aircraft ratio low so scheduling conflicts are rare, not routine.
What will the buy-in cost?
We don’t have a final number yet because it depends on two things we haven’t locked in: which aircraft we select and how many founding members we have. Here’s the math: if we acquire an aircraft for $80,000 with 8 founding members, each member’s equity share is $10,000. If we have 10 members, it’s $8,000. The founding member process is specifically designed to let members influence both variables — including the target aircraft and the target member count — before anyone commits money.
What are the monthly dues?
Monthly dues are TBD and will be finalized by founding members based on actual fixed costs: hangar rental at KMGC, insurance, annual inspection reserves, and club administrative costs. We’re targeting a monthly dues figure that’s genuinely fair relative to the access and ownership value provided. Preliminary estimates will be developed and shared before any member commits.
What’s the hourly flying cost?
The hourly wet rate (charged per hour of flight) covers fuel and engine/propeller reserve contributions. It is not a rental markup — it’s a cost-recovery rate based on actual fuel burn and reserve requirements. For most of our aircraft candidates, this is likely to fall in the $50–$90/hour range for fuel and reserves, depending on the aircraft selected. Final rate will be determined once an aircraft is selected and operational costs are modeled.
Why experimental aircraft instead of certified?
Several reasons, and they compound each other. First, cost: equivalent performance in a certified aircraft costs two to five times more to acquire. Second, avionics flexibility: experimental aircraft can be equipped with modern glass cockpit avionics at a fraction of the certified cost, keeping the panel current for decades. Third, maintenance: experimental aircraft can be maintained by their owners and A&P mechanics under FAA experimental rules, reducing labor costs significantly. Fourth, performance: for the same money, experimental designs often outperform certified alternatives in speed, fuel efficiency, and useful load.
Is it safe to fly an experimental aircraft?
Yes — when the aircraft is well-built, properly maintained, and operated by trained, current pilots. NTSB data shows that accident rates for experimental aircraft are comparable to or only modestly higher than certified equivalents when adjusted for flight hours, and much of the experimental aircraft accident history involves experimental “one-off” designs rather than proven kit designs like the Van’s RV series. We’re specifically focusing on designs with strong safety records and large owner communities — not cutting-edge prototypes. We will also require thorough type-specific checkouts for all pilot-members before solo flight.
What happens if the aircraft needs major maintenance?
Major maintenance costs — engine overhauls, significant repairs — are handled through two mechanisms. First, we’ll build an engine and airframe reserve fund from a portion of each flight hour’s wet rate, so money is accumulating before the bill comes. Second, for unexpected large expenses, founding members will vote on how to handle cost sharing, with options including special assessments or reserve drawdowns. Experimental aircraft owner rules also mean that knowledgeable member-owners can perform and supervise significant maintenance tasks, reducing labor costs compared to certified aircraft.
How many members will there be?
We’re intentionally keeping membership limited relative to our aircraft. A typical flying club might have 15–20 members per aircraft — we’re targeting a tighter ratio to ensure reasonable access and a genuine community feel. The exact founding member target will be set by the group based on the aircraft selected and the desired cost structure. Our goal is a number that makes the economics work without making scheduling a headache.
What if I want to leave the club?
Because you own equity rather than a membership, you’re not just walking away from dues — you’re selling a share. Club bylaws will define the exit process, which will typically involve offering your share to the existing membership first, then to the incoming interest list. Your equity is real value, and the exit process is designed to protect that value for departing members while ensuring continuity for the club.
What airport will the club be based at?
South Shore Flyers is forming at Michigan City Municipal Airport (KMGC) in Michigan City, Indiana. KMGC has a 4,100-foot paved runway, instrument approaches, a self-serve fuel station, hangar space, and is conveniently located in the South Shore region of Northwest Indiana — close to both the Chicago metro area and the natural destinations of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes, and the Upper Peninsula.
What kinds of trips can we do from KMGC?
The list is long. Lake Michigan shoreline flights are practically out the back door. Chicago Executive (PWK), Midway (MDW), and O’Hare (ORD) are all within easy reach. EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh is less than 90 minutes in a fast cross-country aircraft. Upper Peninsula destinations, Mackinac Island, the Door County peninsula, and destinations throughout the midwest are accessible on a day trip or a weekend. With an IFR-equipped aircraft, weather becomes much less of a limiting factor. Flying from KMGC is genuinely practical — not just recreational.
How do I get involved right now?
The best thing you can do right now is join the founding interest list. No commitment required. You’ll be notified about upcoming meetups, aircraft discussions, and next steps. The founding stage is when your voice matters most — don’t wait until the decisions are already made.
Additional Resources:
- AOPA Flying Club Resources — The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association maintains a comprehensive guide to starting and joining flying clubs.
- EAA Experimental Aircraft Resources — The Experimental Aircraft Association is the definitive resource for homebuilt and experimental aircraft ownership, building, and operations.