flying clubs

[SharkFisher]

Not too familiar or met or talked to anybody involved with a flying club. Do you need your ppl to join one? What are the advantage of joining a flying club? Is it going to save you money in the long run? Can you obtain your ratings such as, instrument, commercial, and reach up to the CFI level? Is a full-time college student with a PPL better off, flying at a flying club, rather than working on his ratings in a FBO? Additional information would be appriciated, thanks.

[Adam2006]

I'm in a flying club in the socal area. With my deposit, and checkout I became a part owner. I have my own key to the plane, and book online. I log my out/in times, and am billed later, plus my monthly dues. I pay $70 an hour wet for a 172. The beauty of my club is the fact that we can keep the plane overnight, without a min. charge per day. At my club you can get all your ratings.
Ok, before I joined my club I researched many others...most had cheaper rates. I even found some that were $42-$50 for a 152, of course these either had a 1-2year waiting list, or wanted $3000 down to join. I put down $250, which I can get back, or fly off when I choose to leave. Beware, some clubs wont let you leave until you sell your share/deposit.
Well all clubs will vary, but most have monthly meetings and often encourage non-members to come out and see what they are about. Feel free to PM me if you any more Q's. Good luck.

[Ralgha]

Some may have other requirements to join, like you must be affiliated with a university or something like that. I was in a club that had 152s for $35/hr but you had to be affiliated with the university.

[jwyatt1]

Does anyone know of flying clubs in South Carolina?

[tonyw]

I belong to a flying club and I can't complain at all. The rates start at about $70 wet and they are based on the tach time, not Hobbs.

It's awesome. You pay an initiation fee, monthly dues, then you get the reduced rental rates.