EnginAires Aero Club
Quality Score
Limited Data
Base (15) + components above = 37
About
Sub-S Corp club in existence since 1950s. Based at Flightstar, at KCMI, University of Illinois WIllard Airport. We have two airplanes for our members' use. One is a late 1970s Piper Archer II with Garmin GTN 650 and autopilot. Second is a mid-1970s Cessna 182, also with GTN 650, autopilot with altitude hold, and a new (2020) three-blade propeller. Purchase one of 20 shares from another member at a privately negotiated price or from the club at a stated price. A member desiring to leave the club can have the club buy back the member's share after one year's notice (at a specified, discounted price). Monthly dues cover hangars, insurance, annual inspections, and miscellaneous expenses. Tach hour flying charges cover nearly everything else, including fuel, oil changes, contribution to engine and prop overhaul reserves, and repairs. We try to price to break even. We try to have funds available in reserve for expected big expenses. Thus, when the time comes for an overhaul, the pilots who flew off the old engine have contributed enough to buy a new engine.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piper PA-28-181 (Archer II) (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $45 – $185/hr Tach | $3,200 – $13,000 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $40 – $160/hr | $1,675 – $6,725 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $30 – $110/hr | $550 – $2,200 |
| Admission fee | — | one-time | $92,000 |
| Monthly dues × 12 | 12 mo | $275/mo | $3,300 |
| Estimated Total Range | $53,100 – $212,500 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at EnginAires Aero Club is estimated to cost $53,100 – $212,500. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
No, EnginAires Aero Club operates under Part 61. Training is self-paced: you and your instructor set the curriculum rather than following a pre-approved syllabus. The FAA minimum for a Private Pilot Certificate under Part 61 is 40 flight hours, though most students need 60 to 70.
No, EnginAires Aero Club does not have a Designated Pilot Examiner on staff. When you're ready for your checkride, you'll need to book with an independent DPE. Ask the school if they can point you to one nearby.
EnginAires Aero Club's training fleet includes the Piper PA-28-181 (Archer II) and Cessna 182Q (Skylane). Having multiple types in the fleet keeps your training on track if one plane is down for maintenance. Ask the school about current availability and any additional charges per aircraft.
No flight simulators are listed for EnginAires Aero Club. Some schools have basic Aviation Training Devices that may not be in our database. Ask them directly.
No, EnginAires Aero Club does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.