Shared ownership, not a rental.
Skycombers members own the airplane they fly. No more than ten pilots share one Cessna Cardinal, share the cost of keeping it, and share responsibility for its care. The full cost of membership is set out below.
What membership means
An owner’s share
Each member buys one share of Skycombers Flying Club, Inc. and holds one vote. Dues, rates, and major decisions about the airplane are set by the owners, not handed down.
A small group
The bylaws cap the club at ten owner-pilots. Members know each other, the schedule stays open, and the Cardinal is almost always available when you want it.
Care of the airplane
The airplane is maintained by the people who fly it. Members join work parties to keep it in good order, board meetings are open to every member, and an audit committee reviews the finances.
One well-kept Cardinal
N13HK is a 1972 Cessna 177B Cardinal with a 180 HP Lycoming, a constant-speed propeller, a freshly redone interior, and an IFR panel built around a Garmin GTN 650 and dual GI-275 displays. It is a capable cross-country airplane, and its owners keep it that way.
Because the airplane is shared by a small group rather than a rental line, it is available for real trips: a weekend in Big Bear, IFR up the coast, a week away. There is no daily minimum; you are billed for the hours you fly. Trips longer than 14 consecutive days need an officer’s sign-off.
The cost of membership
Current as of September 2026. Dues and rates are set by vote of the owners.
| Item | Amount | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft operating rate | $128 / tach hr | Wet. Fuel and oil included. Billed on engine (tach) time; see below. |
| Monthly dues | $192 / month | The club’s fixed costs: tie-down at Whiteman, hull and liability insurance, annual inspection, and maintenance reserves. Dues are set by a vote of the owners and cannot be changed by the Board alone. |
| Share purchase | $5,000 | Purchases one share of Skycombers Flying Club, Inc., subject to Board acceptance. When you leave, you may sell your share to an approved incoming member on terms you agree between you (a $250 transfer fee applies). |
| Minimum flying | None | No monthly minimum hours. Dues are the only fixed cost. |
| Overnight and trips | No daily minimum | Billed for hours flown only. Trips over 14 consecutive days need an officer’s sign-off. |
Flying is billed on the tach meter rather than the Hobbs meter. The Hobbs runs whenever the engine is turning; the tach records engine time in proportion to RPM, so it runs slower at low power during taxi, run-up, and pattern work. On most flights the tach reading is somewhat lower than the Hobbs reading, and long cruise legs bring the two closer together.
Illustration only. Your cost depends on how much you fly.
What we ask of members
The club works because every member treats the Cardinal as an owner would. We look for pilots who want that responsibility along with the airplane.
Fly it as your own
Careful preflights, sound go/no-go decisions, and leaving the airplane the way you would want to find it.
Speak up
Report anything you notice about the airplane so it can be addressed before the next member flies.
Take part
The club is run by its owners. Vote, come to meetings when you can, and lend a hand at work parties.
Who can join
Certificate
Private pilot certificate or higher with a current medical. Skycombers is not a training club and does not accept student pilots. Instrument-rated members fly IFR after checkout.
Checkout
A familiarization review with the club’s Chief Pilot, then a check ride with a club-approved CFI covering the constant-speed prop and the GTN 650 / GI-275 panel. The check ride is required by the club’s insurer.
Insurance
The club carries hull, property damage, and liability coverage that protects the corporation and its members. Members are encouraged, but not required, to add personal coverage.
If shared ownership of the Cardinal fits your flying, get in touch. We will arrange a visit to the airplane at Whiteman so you can meet a few members and see how the club runs.