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We have organized a number of questions into a various categories to help you learn more about our flying club. The questions and answers presented here are intended to provide general information only. The accuracy of the information is not guaranteed.
General Club Information
Aircraft
Pilot
Qualifications and Responsibilities
Scheduling Airplanes
Purchase Prices, Dues,
and Aircraft Rates
Invoicing and Payments
Selling Your Membership
Maintenance
Insurance
Flight Instruction
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General Information About the Club
Q: How long has Sky-Vu Flyers been in operation?
A: Sky-Vu Flyers was incorporated in 1956 by
four pilots who were originally based in Mooresville, Indiana. In July of 2006,
Sky-Vu Flyers celebrated its 50th anniversary!
Q: How is Sky-Vu Flyers organized?
A: Sky-Vu Flyers, Inc. is a not-for-profit
corporation organized under the laws of the state of Indiana. We are not
affiliated with any other organizations. Our officers are elected annually by
majority vote.
Q: Are any of the club officers compensated?
A: Club officers do not receive cash
compensation. However, the club's secretary, treasurer, membership officer,
safety officer and
maintenance officer(s), each receive monthly flying credits for the
contributions of their time and effort to manage the club's affairs in a
business-like manner.
Q: Are the airplanes owned by the club, or are they on leaseback arrangements from other owners?
A: All aircraft are owned by Sky-Vu Flyers,
Inc. Each member owns an equity share of the flying club.
Q: How many members are there currently in the club? Is there a maximum number of members?
A: There are currently 60 members of Sky-Vu
Flyers, Inc. There is no maximum number however any change in total members
would be presented to the membership for review and input.
Q: How is important information communicated within the club?
A: The club conducts monthly meetings where
club business, finances, safety issues, and other topics are discussed.
Additionally, a club newsletter, meeting minutes, operating statement, and other
information is mailed with owners' invoices each month. Additionally, through
the club's scheduling service, club-wide announcements and specific
communications for each aircraft can be made on an as needed basis.
Q: What social events does the club sponsor?
A: The club typically sponsors a holiday
party in December of each year. This event is a great opportunity for members
and their guests to meet other club members. Occasionally, the club will sponsor
a summer pool party hosted by one of our members. We have also conducted
airplane-washing parties where club members can get to know each other while
cleaning up one of the club's airplanes.
Q: I'm interested in purchasing a membership. How can I find out about membership availability and current prices?
A: Contact our membership officer directly or
send an
e-mail
requesting this information or phone our membership officer whose contact
information is noted on our home page.
Q: What types of airplanes does the club operate?
A: Sky-Vu's fleet of aircraft current
includes four Cessna aircraft: (1) 172, (1) 172RG, (1) 182S, and (1) 182T.
Q: Are any of the airplanes equipped for IFR flying?
A: All Sky-Vu aircraft are equipped,
certified, and maintained in accordance with FARs governing IFR flight.
Q: Where are the airplanes located?
A: Two planes, the Cessna 172RG and the
Cessna 182-S are based at Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport (UMP). The
Cessna 172, and the Cessna 182RG are based at Indianapolis Eagle Creek Airport (EYE). All airplanes are hangared
year-round and are equipped with pre-heaters for use during the winter months.
Pilot Qualifications & Responsibilities
Q: What are the pilot requirements for flying club airplanes?
A: All member pilots must hold proper certificates and ratings and current medicals. Each aircraft type requires a checkride with a club-approved instructor. For more aircraft-specific pilot requirements, click on any of the aircraft N-numbers.
|
N146K
(172) |
N9421D
(172RG) |
N182SV (182S) |
N721ZA (182T) |
Q: Who determines whether or not I am competent to fly a club airplane?
A: Only a club-approved instructor can
determine an owner's competency to fly a club airplane.
Q: Who is allowed to fly the club's airplanes.
A: Only qualified, current Sky-Vu members who
have been checked out by club-approved instructors may operate the aircraft.
Family members, unless they are associate members, friends, and others are not
authorized to operate the club's airplanes.
Q: What are the hours of the flying club?
A: The club does not maintain "hours" like a
normal business. Generally, the club's aircraft are available 24 hours per day,
365 days each year and each member receives hangar and aircraft keys. As long as
you reserve an airplane in advance, and you meet all club and insurance
requirements, you can fly at any time.
Q: What are my chances of getting an airplane when I want it?
A: That depends on when you want the airplane
and how much lead time you give yourself when calling to reserve an airplane.
Weekends are definitely more in demand than weekdays and the more you can plan
in advance, the better your chances of getting an airplane. If you only plan a
few days in advance, you may be disappointed. However, if you get checked-out in
a number of the club's airplanes or all of them, you greatly enhance your
chances of getting an airplane when you want one.
Q: How is the scheduling service operated?
A: Sky-Vu Flyers contracts with
Schedule Master for aircraft scheduling services. The service operates 24
hours per day so members can schedule an airplane whenever they want. The
service is accessible by phone or personal computer from anywhere in the
country.
Q: Is there a maximum number of days or hours that I can reserve one of the planes?
A: There is no maximum number of days that
you can reserve an airplane. However, there is a minimum charge of one hour for
each day, and partial day that you have an airplane after the first 24-hour
period.
Purchase Prices, Dues, and Rates
Q: What is the value of a membership share?
A: Our board of directors establishes the
purchase price of a full membership share. While not a steadfast rule, the
current purchase price of a full membership share reflects approximately 50% of
the actual value of a share in Sky-Vu Flyers. A share's actual value is based on
the total net worth of the flying club divided by the number of shares
outstanding. A family associate membership is priced at one-half the price of a
full membership.
Q: What's the difference between a full membership and a family associate membership.
A: A full membership must be purchased first.
Additional family members may purchase a family associate membership on a space
available basis. When the club is full, family memberships are not available for
purchase. Family associate members do not have voting rights in the club.
Q: How much are the monthly dues and what expenses do they cover?
A: The monthly dues are subject to change
without notice and are normally reviewed on an annual basis. Current monthly
dues and hourly rates be reviewed at our
Membership Costs and Rates
page. Dues cover all
fixed costs such as those for hangar fees, insurance, scheduling service,
administration, officer and member flying credits, etc.
Q: What other fees are there besides the monthly dues?
A: We do not have annual or other periodic
membership fees other than the monthly dues.
Q: When was the last rate increase and how are rates determined?
A: Our rates are established to help ensure
the financial success of the flying club and are reviewed on a regular basis.
The aircraft hourly rates include engine "reserves" which help us accumulate the funds
needed to
replace engines without requiring special assessments. Actual operating costs
such as fuel, oil and maintenance are major factors in determining
our hourly rates. We monitor fuel costs on a monthly basis and adjust rates up
or down as necessary.
Q: Are the hourly rates based "dry" or "wet"?
A: Hourly rate are "wet," which includes oil
and fuel charges.
Q: How does the club obtain new equipment?
A: Membership prices, monthly dues, and
hourly rates (which include engine reserves) are all established at levels to
maintain the financial success of the club. This includes the purchase of new
equipment, avionics upgrades, and interior and exterior refurbishment from time
to time. We have also asked for member contributions when specific equipment has
been purchased, although contributions are just that - they are not mandatory.
Finally, because the club has maintained its financial health, we have the
ability to borrow funds when necessary, such as when purchasing a new airplane.
Q: How is flying time determined?
A: Hourly rates are based on Hobbs meter
time. Flying time is determined based on Hobbs meter readings rounded to the
next 1/10th hour if
necessary. The owner makes a log entry for each flight and the log sheets are
collected at the end of each month to prepare monthly invoices.
Q: How are members billed for dues, flying time, and other charges?
A: Sky-Vu prepares and emails invoices on a
monthly basis. Included in the monthly invoice are charges for monthly dues,
flying time, and other charges incurred during the
billing period.
Q: When are payments due?
A: All payments due to the treasurer no later
than the 20th of
each month. Payments received after the 20th of the
month are assessed a 5% late payment penalty. If payment is not received by the
end of the month an additional 15% late payment
penalty is assessed and aircraft scheduling privileges may be suspended.
Q: What methods of payment are accepted by the club?
A: All payments are made by cash, check,
and/or fuel receipts. We do not accept credit cards.
Q: If I purchase fuel, do I get credit for the entire amount of the purchase?
A: Normally. However, there is a maximum
allowed per gallon fuel price (including all taxes) when purchasing fuel away
from the home airports. Members who charge or purchase fuel at a price that
exceeds the limit must pay the amount that exceeds this limit. Additionally, any
other charges such as those for tiedowns, landing fees, etc., are always the
responsibility of the member.
Selling Your Membership
Q: What's the process for selling my membership?
A: There are two ways you can sell a membership. You can identify a potential member on your own, without the assistance of the membership officer, or you can list your membership for sale with the membership officer. If you find the buyer for your membership, you will be charged a 5% fee based on the actual selling price of the membership. The fee increases to 15% based on the actual sales price if you list your membership for sale with the membership officer. Remember, all buyers must be vetted prior to acceptance into the club and they must agree to abide by the articles of incorporation, bylaws and rules. Most members who sell their memberships list their memberships with the membership officer simply because it's more convenient to do so.
Q: Why is there a 5% fee if I find the buyer?
A: Even though a selling member may find a potential new member as a "replacement", the membership officer is still required to complete a thorough review of club procedures with the prospective new member, ensure the set of keys to the aircraft and hangars is complete, and complete the vetting process by checking all references. There is additional administrative work that is also required whether the club or the departing member finds the new member. The 5% fee, in the form of flying credits, is awarded to the membership officer for his/her work in processing members in and out.
Q: How long does it take to sell a membership?
A: It varies depending on the time of year and the "demand". Sometimes it may take months and sometimes we have a waiting list of individuals who are ready and willing buy a membership as soon as they become available.
Maintenance
Q: When are maintenance facilities available?
A: Maintenance is available whenever the FBOs'
maintenance facilities are open.
Q: Who does the maintenance on the club's aircraft?
A: Sky-Vu's maintenance officer and
assistance maintenance officer request and follow up on all maintenance items
for the club's airplanes. All maintenance work is performed by FAA certified and
licensed repair stations as required. Normally, maintenance is performed by
licensed A&P mechanics and signed off by licensed A&P inspectors at FBOs in
Indianapolis. Occasionally, maintenance can be performed by members if approved
by the maintenance officer and only when consistent with FARs that allow such
repairs.
Q: What if I need maintenance work while I'm away from the home airports?
A: If you encounter maintenance problems away
from the home airports, you will need to call one of the maintenance officers to
report the problem. You may use club's charge accounts or your own personal
funds or credit cards to purchase fuel and maintenance at other locations. You
are responsible for returning the airplane to the home airports.
Q: How is the club insured?
A: The club carries an insurance policy from
a leading aviation insurer. The
policy includes a $1,000 deductible, full hull coverage and liability coverage
of up to $1,000,000 per accident. Copies of the insurance policy are made
available to all members when they purchase their memberships.
Q: Who pays the deductible if there is a claim?
A: The member pays the deductible if it is determined that the member was at fault. The club's Board of Directors makes the final determination as to whether or not a member will be charged the deductible.
Q: Can I purchase additional insurance coverage?
A: The club has purchased the maximum amount
of insurance available to it from the current vendor. Individual members may
wish to purchase additional coverage on their own as they deem necessary.
Q: Does the club have its own instructors?
A: Sky-Vu Flyers is associated with a number
of instructors who are familiar with the club's aircraft and who have been
approved to provide new member and annual checkouts in club airplanes.
Club-approved instructors are CFIs and CFIIs. Each instructor is an independent
contractor and sets his/her own policies and hourly rates.
Q: Can I use an instructor of my own choice?
A: Once you have been checked out by a
club-approved instructor, you may use any qualified and current instructor of your
choice for additional flight instruction. Initial check outs for each aircraft
type must be completed by club-approved instructors.
Q: How are instructors paid?
A: Members and instructors make their own
payment arrangements directly.
Q: I do not have my private pilot's license yet, Can I join Sky-Vu Flyers and receive my primary instruction from a club-approved instructor?
A: Student pilots may become members in
Sky-Vu Flyers. We are interested in student pilots who have recently
soloed and are aggressively pursuing their private pilot's licenses.
Q: Does Sky-Vu offer ground school?
A: No. You may arrange for ground school
instructions either with your personal flight instructor or with a local FBO.
Q: Does Sky-Vu have a flight simulator.
A: Sky-Vu does not offer a flight simulator
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Sky-Vu home pageSky-Vu Flyers, Inc. last updated November, 2004 Fall 2009