The Pilot's Co-Op
Co-Op Background & Structure
The Pilot's Co-Op was founded to provide flying at the lowest cost possible. its unique structure allows the present or future pilot to pursue his or her goals in clean, well-maintained planes at surprisingly low per-hour costs.
The Co-op has done away with the traditional lease-back arrangement, an arrangement that allows the operator to collect a hefty fee for every hour an aircraft is rented. This comes out of the rental charge paid by you. The owner of the aircraft, theoretically, is paid all moneys left over after being charged for repairs, parts, fuel, tie-down and insurance. And the owner pays top dollar for these services.
The Co-Op, on the other hand, keeps each owner of an aircraft involved. There is no lease-back agreement. Instead, the owner pays all bills himself, that way keeping track of where the money goes. He also receives all rental fees paid. Parts and labor charges are minimized by keeping it within the group as much as possible. He is a businessman in every sense of the word. The Co-Op helps him manage this business.
Lower operating costs equal lower rental fees. Not a bad arrangement, and one that has flourished now for more than 15 years.
How To Join
To become a participant in the Pilots Co-Op, each applicant must pay a one-time fee of $50.00. Then a monthly fee of $12.50 is paid quarterly in the amount of $37.50. A Newsletter and fee notice will be mailed to each member each quarter. This is a lot more efficient than billing monthly, and a lot less expensive. And that, after all, is what the Co-Op is about!
If you already have your pilot's certificate, you will be checked out by a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in the planes you will be renting, as prescribed by our insurance. If you are a student, you can choose or will be introduced to a CFI who will provide your training. You will pay the owner of the aircraft for the rental of his plane, and you will pay the CFI directly for his instruction. The only moneys collected by the Co-Op is the monthly fee.
More Benefits
As a participant in the Pilot's Co-Op, you will be entitled to discounts on most publications you will need, and on pilot supplies such as flight computers and plotters. If we can't get you a discount, we will find the best retail deal possible.
Also, you will be qualified to receive a key-card so you will have access to the facilities 24-hours a day. And you will be joining a great group of people, some 300-plus strong, many of whom have been active in the Co-Op for most of its existence.
Share the 'Secret'
Some have called the Co-Op the "best kept secret around". This is probably true. Most of our members have learned of us through word of mouth. A few may have found us in the Yellow Pages, but we seldom have had to advertise elsewhere. What we offer has been the sustaining force.
Remember, we have a great inventory of planes ready for you to fly. If you're just starting, we can take you all the way to the top, literally, and for less money. If you are a pilot and want to add a rating, we can help you do that, too. If you need simulator training, we have an ATC-710 wit plotter, and a Frasca 142 twin-engine simulator for your use at a nominal rate.
If you have any questions, give us a call.
Dan Tompkins, Gen. Mgr.
e-mail: UPNUPGUY@aol.com
