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What is the Oldest Active U.S. Flying Club?

Clubs devoted to flight in the U.S. have existed since the late 1800s.

Martha Lunken
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Flying clubs own and operate aircraft like Cessna 172s for use by its members. [Courtesy: Pixabay/jotoya]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The definition of "flying club" as an organization that owns and operates aircraft for its members is key to determining the oldest.
  • While clubs like the Aero Club of Buffalo (1879) are older, they didn't initially own flying machines for members or don't currently provide club airplanes for member use.
  • The Reading Aero Club, continuously flying since 1929 and incorporated in 1932, is recognized as the oldest active flying club that owns and operates aircraft for its members.
  • Located at Reading Regional Airport in Pennsylvania, the club operates a Piper Archer III and a Cessna 172SP.
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Question: What is the oldest active flying club in the country?

Answer:

Martha Lunken

Martha Lunken is a lifelong pilot, former FAA inspector and defrocked pilot examiner. She flies a Cessna 180 and anything with a tailwheel, from Cubs to DC-3s.

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