About The San Diego Flight Corp.

San Diego Flight Corp. ("SDFC") is a member-owned corporation, established in 1936. SDFC is a non-profit corporation and is operated by and for the benefit of its members. The rules (detailed in the "Operations Rules" handbook of SDFC) are designed to both protect the members and the assets of SDFC and also to provide for fair – and frequent – utilization of its aircraft.  Shareholders enjoy all the benefits of aircraft ownership, while distributing the maintenance and operating costs among a larger group. SDFC caters to pilots who wish to fly aircraft that are a cut above the ubiquitous trainers found on most airfield ramps. Our aircraft are kept in hangars and are autopilot and GPS equipped.

Here are some salient points:

Costs: Share in SDFC: $2500.  Monthly Dues: $425

Rates are currently $285 per hour (wet) for each airplane. This rate is based on fuel at $8.00 per gallon and is subject to change on a monthly basis depending on fuel prices.

Note: We don't use HOBBS time, but rather Tach time. Because we use Tach time there is no charge for taxi and clearance time while the planes are not in the air. This significantly reduces costs and frustration when things are moving slow on the ground.

Generally, if you fly 30 hours or more a year, San Diego Flight Corp. is less expensive than renting and significantly less expensive than owning.

The purchase of a share in SDFC makes you a Shareholder of the corporation, and therefore limits your liability. Ownership is not always available, but as of August 1st, 2023 we do have limited shares available. We limit our group's size to maintain good aircraft availability.

The monthly dues essentially cover our fixed costs, such as insurance, hangars, loan interest, annuals, admin, taxes, etc.

The hourly rates cover aircraft operating costs, such as fuel, maintenance and engine amortization.

All members are IFR rated and our requirements are: minimum of 350 hours, 50 retractable gear and 25 hours in make and model. In lieu of make and model time, all pilots must successfully complete 10 hours of dual flight instruction in aircraft of the same make and model, including at least 15 takeoffs and landings while accompanied by an appropriate certificated flight instructor.

If previous experience can be verified, a checkout proving acceptable control over the aircraft is required.

SDFC pilots may have NO MORE than two reservations on the books (we use Schedule Master) at any one time, and only one of those reservations may span a weekend or include a holiday day, with a single exception: one additional reservation may be made for use of an aircraft not otherwise reserved if the exception reservation is made within 72 hours of the member’s departure. Overnight periods require 1 hour of minimum utilization.

The Insurance requirements include sensible flying minima, and there are several SDFC-approved CFI's to keep you proficient. SDFC also requires an annual flight review.

Due to insurance limitations, flights to Mexico are not permitted at this time. This may change in the future.

Flights outside the San Diego basin require a flight plan or the use of flight following.

When you join, you must pay the share price. Dues and flight-time charges are paid in arrears. Initially, you will be a "provisional" member. All being well, you will then be voted in as a "probationary" member at the next meeting (for six months) and then a permanent member after that.

Official meetings occur every quarter, usually on the evening of the 4th Monday the month after quarter end.

Updated: August 2023