Want to fly your own aircraft, but can’t justify the cost?  Consider a flying club.  It provides all the benefits of aircraft ownership, while sharing the financial burden.  A flying club is a "not-for-profit corporation" established for the purpose of affordable aircraft ownership. You fly the same aircraft on a regular basis, have a voice in its maintenance and improvements, but share the burden of hangar rental, insurance, and maintenance costs with the other shareholders (club members).

Cloud Niners is a flying club based at Hendricks County Airport/Gordon Graham Field (2R2). Cloud Niners has been operating since 1966 and our shareholders range from student pilots to instrument rated pilots.  Cloud Niners currently owns a 1965 Cherokee 180.  The length of ownership in the flying club various from one year to 36 years.

The number of shareholder in Cloud Niners is capped at 15 with one aircraft.  Scheduling is done online.  There is no daily minimum number of hours if using the aircraft for an extended period of time, such as a trip.

The aircraft has a maintenance coordinator that handles all maintenance issues for the aircraft, either non-scheduled (something breaks) or regular maintenance such as oil changes and annuals. If you are interested in maintenance, there are ways for you to assist.  If it’s not your thing it is handled for you.

To join Cloud Niners you purchase a share.  The price of a share is determined annually, by dividing the Cloud Niners total net value and dividing by 15 shareholders.  There is a share purchase installment payment option available.  Application for a share requires unanimous approval of shareholders.  This is Cloud Niners way of ensuring quality pilots.  If you need to leave Cloud Niners in the future, you offer your share for sale.  If after 6 months, a new member has not been identified to purchase your share, the club must purchase it for 80% of the share value.

Monthly billings consist of a fixed monthly fee (used to cover reoccurring costs such as hangars, insurance and basic annual inspection) plus an hourly dry rental rate (excludes fuel use) for time flown.  Hours are based on tach time, which is less than clock time if not operating at full throttle for the entire flight.  At the conclusion of your flight, you refill the fuel paying for what you used, so the plane is full and ready to go for the next pilot on the schedule.

Cloud Niners Bylaws, Operating Rules and the Membership Installment Payment Option Agreement are available for your inspection and review.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are operations of Cloud Niners governed?
The shareholders elect three Directors annually that handle the day to day operational details. Cloud Niner’s Bylaws and Operating Rules are used to govern the operation of the organization.

How do I ensure the other pilots operate the aircraft properly?
All Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), State and Airport rules govern the operation of the aircraft.  In addition, Cloud Niners has operating rules and all new shareholders must receive unanimous approval of all existing shareholders and check-out by a Cloud Niners approved instructor.

How does the cost compare to basing my own aircraft at 2R2?
It costs $35,000 to $55,000 to purchase a Cherokee 180 depending on engine hours and avionic and approximately $9,000 a year to hangar, insure and maintain it, plus operating costs.  As a Cloud Niners shareholder your costs are the approximately $3,895 per share and less than $100 per month fixed costs plus operating costs.

How does the costs compare to renting an aircraft?
Four seat rental aircraft in the Indianapolis market rent for $100 or more per Hobbs Meter hour.  If you fly more that two hours per month, a flying club is typically more economical in addition to the benefits of flexible scheduling and insurance coverage as an owner.

Can I use the aircraft for student training?
Yes, Cloud Niners is open to student pilots.  Hendricks County Aviation (HCA) has instructors available at the airport or you may select any FAA licensed instructor.  Five current owners learned to fly in Cloud Niners.

Can I use the aircraft for instrument training?
Yes, the Cloud Niners Cherokee 180 (N8936J) is maintained for Instrument Flight Rule operations with dual communications and navigational radios with ILS capability.  There is also a VFR GPS in N8936J; however, it is not approved for instrument flight, but very useful for situational awareness.

What happens when an aircraft needs major maintenance such as an engine overhaul?
Our Cherokee 180 has approximately 1,100 hours (8-12 years depending on use) remaining on the engine before it should require an engine overhaul.  Cloud Niners maintains a reserve fund in preparation for the future overhaul and other significant upgrades.  The goal is to pay as we fly so the funds are available as maintenance activities are required.

How is the aircraft scheduled?
The aircraft is scheduled on a first come first serve basis using an internet based scheduling system.  There is no minimum or maximum time in advance an aircraft can be reserve.  Operation of the aircraft for commercial purposes (for hire) is not allowed.

How do I get started?
Contact Cloud Niners for additional information and an membership application.  After becoming an owner in Cloud Niners, if you are a licensed pilot get checked out in the plane with an instructor.  The length of this process will depend on your overall and aircraft model flying experience.  If you are a student, select an instructor and start scheduling lessons.