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Purpose
Condair Flyers is a not-for-profit flying club based at Albany International Airport. The Club owns five airplanes that can be used for local flying, extended cross country travel, or flight training. Membership is open to pilots of all categories, to those who wish to become pilots, and to those who do not fly but enjoy general aviation! History The Club has been in existence since 1964. It was started with a Piper Cub based at Schenectady. Over the years the Club has grown steadily and now comprises approximately 75 members sharing three Cessnas and two Pipers. All five are IFR-equipped, 4-seat, single-engine aircraft. Currently, four of our members are Certified Flight Instructors. The Club moved to Albany International Airport in October of 2006. Operations The Club is overseen by an Executive Board consisting of 7 Club members. The Board performs administrative tasks, oversees aircraft maintenance crews, and ensures that the Club's outstanding safety record continues. Members acquire an equity interest in the Club. Upon joining, each member deposits approximately $4170 for a share of the Club. A member's equity is returned when they leave the Club provided that total membership is at least 75. Otherwise, the equity remains with the Club until membership reaches 75. Members pay monthly dues of $115.00 to cover Club fixed expenses. In exchange, members can rent, under very favorable terms, quality, well maintained aircraft at rates considerably below that of the typical FBO. All five aircraft are stored in the Million Air Hanger, located at the south end of the airport. Million Air linemen will take the planes out of the hangar upon request, and put them back at the end of each flight. Million Air is a 24 hour, 365 day operation. While the hangar is heated, Condair ground equipment includes two preheat carts for cold weather flying. Condair also has an air compressor for member use. Members schedule aircraft through an internet service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Aircraft can be scheduled for a maximum period of four days without Executive Board approval. Reservation periods in excess of four days can be arranged with Executive Board approval. The general membership normally meets on the first non-holiday Sunday of each month, except for July and August, to transact the business of the Club and to present programs related to flying and flight safety. Aircraft All five Club airplanes are IFR equipped (dual Nav/Com, glideslope, ADF, marker beacon). All have transponders with altitude encoding, and intercoms. All of these airplanes have instrument approach certified GPS, and our Skylane has a B.F.Goodrich WX-900 Stormscope. Five single engine planes are available to Club members with two of the five available for primary training. The hourly cost of each plane is computed using a formula which takes into account fuel, maintenance, and engine and airframe depreciation. The fuel cost for each aircraft is computed by multiplying the current gas price at our home base at the end of each month by a fixed number of gallons per hour that has been established for each aircraft. This yields a wet rate that may fluctuate a few cents each month. Time charges are based on the engine tach rather than the faster running Hobbs meter. Insurance Liability coverage on all aircraft is the same: $1,000,000 maximum; $100,000 per person (sub-limited to $25,000 for family members); medical $1000 per person. Hull - Full coverage with $300 to $500 deductible. Maintenance Maintenance is performed by certified aircraft mechanics. Each aircraft receives 50 and 100-hour maintenance and an annual inspection. Minor maintenance may also be performed by members. |