The Flying Signaleers, Inc.

We offer individual memberships in the club that allow pilots to fly the aircraft at the great hourly rates. We are always looking for additional flying partners.  Since this is first and foremost a social flying partnership, each person wanting to be a member has to "fit" well with the existing members and will need to be interviewed by the board.

The first step is to contact us and we'll be happy to arrange a time for you to meet some of the members and kick-off the new member procedure. The existing members come from a range of backgrounds with many years of flying. Some are active professional pilots.

The Flying Signaleers focus on the social aspects of flying.  Each member is expected to  contribute to ensuring the planes are well kept.  The aircraft are reliable and well maintained fleet making frequent flying inexpensive and accessible to the members. 

We currently have a Cessna 172K and a 182P.  Both aircraft are great performers since we've upgraded to 180hp in the 172 and a 280hp in the 182. That allows the 172 to be a true 4 seater and the 182 has the speed and power to " really go" places. 

The planes are hangared at the Spanaway Airport ( S44) in Spanaway, Pierce County, Washington. There are two T hangars on the field that we use. Our plan is to move back to Pierce ( KPLU ) as soon as possible. We hope to have the at least one of the planes based there by spring/summer of 2012

    Once you have made it through the selection process you can then buy a share which are currently $ 900 for a restricted membership if you just want to fly a 172 and $ 1200 or for an unrestricted membership giving you access to both planes.  With the current roster of members the monthly dues are $200 per member, which covers the fixed costs such as the hangars, insurance, annuals, website....etc. As new members enter the club; the monthly dues will be adjusted.

    In addition to the monthly dues, there is an hourly "wet" rate we pay for the use of each plane.  This is the aircraft with fuel.  *  The 172 use rate is currently $ 120 /hour tach. time  and $160 / hour tach. time for the 182. These per hourly rates cover the fuel, maintenance, and TBO fund. They are adjusted by the board based on maintenace and fuel cost. Note on the per hour cost; most FBO rentals and some clubs use the hobbs meter for hourly charges.  Hobbs charges tend to be 10 to 20 percent more in cost for actual time in the 172 and 5%-10% in the 182. This can be explained further by linking to the Hobbs site above or feel free to contact us. We are a non-profit organization and all exess funds collected are put back into the airplanes / equipment. Unlike some clubs; the Flyngsignaleers Inc. owns the aircraft, and the hourly rates are used to operate and maintain.

* The hourly rates are based on the per gallon fuel cost at KPLU. If fuel costs rise or fall; the club (board) will adust the hourly use rates. This rate formula applies to both aircraft and is based on an average of 8-9 gal. per hour burn for the 172 and a 12 gal. per hour burn for the 182.

   You can feel good about taking your friends or family on a trip for the week or just the weekend since the planes may be reserved for up to 15 days without a daily minimum.

You should review the by laws to ensure you understand all the ins and outs of your membership.