Ask FLYING FLYING Magazine

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

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

Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 10:49 AM ET

Verified

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

Key Takeaways:

The definition of "flying club" is key to identifying the oldest, as some early clubs fostered interest without owning aircraft.
Organizations like the Aero Club of Buffalo (1879) and other early 1900s aero clubs did not own flying machines for member use.
The Reading Aero Club, continuously flying since 1929 and owning/operating aircraft for its members, is considered the oldest active flying club under that specific definition.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Question: What is the oldest active flying club in the country?

Answer:

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.