Frequently Asked Questions

May I take the aircraft to Mexico, Canada, or Alaska?

Yes, provided that you comply with all insurance rules, association rules, and, in the case of Mexico, procure Mexican Liability insurance at your own expense. It is vitally important that you make yourself familiar with all border-crossing regulations and the requirements of Customs and Border Services. Fines for failure to do so are astronomical and will be borne by the member who violates those regulations. That said, do know that the aircraft has flown successfully to Mexico, Canada, and Alaska.

May I take the aircraft on a vacation trip?

Yes, members will occasionally take the aircraft for a week to ten days for a vacation trip. Common courtesy helps out here greatly. Reasonable advance notice is mandatory so other members may adjust their plans.

What are the rules for scheduling the aircraft?

• You may schedule and take the aircraft for 1 to 6 hours as many times as you like, but you may not schedule multiple 1 to 6 hour periods on the same day.
• You may schedule and take the aircraft for 6 to 24 hours any time you like, but you may only schedule one 6 to 24 hour period at a time.
• You may schedule and take the aircraft for 24 to 72 hours once every four weeks, but you may only schedule one 24 to 72 hour period at a time.
• You may schedule and take the aircraft for 3 to 15 days once every six months, but you may only schedule one 3 to 15 day period at a time.
• No two schedule blocks may be on consecutive days; in other words, you may not string blocks together to make a longer schedule.
• A shareholder has a one-hour grace period from the start of their reservation. If during the first hour the shareholder does not begin use of the aircraft, the reservation is cancelled and the aircraft shall be available to the shareholder who schedules it next.

How do I schedule the aircraft?

We use web-based Flight Circle for scheduling. This system is accessible from any internet-connected computer. Shareholders have an individual username and password. We ask that the shareholder scheduling the aircraft provide realistic time estimates so others might plan flights around those estimates.

How do I pay for fuel?

The aircraft hourly cost is "wet" and therefore includes fuel costs. We ask the returning pilot to refuel the aircraft before returning it to the hangar. Many times a pilot will refuel the plane at an airport with lower fuel prices. This helps keep our costs down, as Reid-Hillview has some of the highest fuel prices in the area.

When the aircraft is refueled, we expect the pilot using the aircraft to charge the costs to their personal credit card (or pay cash) and provide a receipt to the company treasurer. Your account will then be credited for the amount you paid for the fuel.

When does the association meet?

Normally, meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month via video conferencing starting at 7:00 PM. Please check with the association, as meetings are occasionally cancelled or moved to another day or time.

How do I become a shareholder?

The simple answer is that you apply. Any company officer can furnish you with an application, which will be reviewed by the association. If all seems well, you will be invited to attend an association meeting and meet the shareholders. Later, the shareholders will vote on your request to purchase a share. Of course, if accepted, you will have to buy a share from a withdrawing shareholder. There are no initiation fees. Before you may fly the aircraft, you must get checked out by a CFI who has been approved by the association.

May I take friends with me when I fly?

Of course, but we do not allow any commercial operations with the association's aircraft. We require that you meet all Federal requirements for sharing expenses and urge great caution here.