There are probably as many kinds of flying clubs as there are airports (or grass strips) in the country—everything from two or three pilots sharing an airplane to the large clubs I’m writing about. I think the most unique was one created by a guy at Lunken Airport (KLUK) some years ago who sold shares in his “Cub Club.” He had a ratty old J-3 that gullible pilots bought into for a mere $6,000—and there were 12 members! Everything ended when he was giving dual tailwheel instructions to a member, and they broke the Cub. The CFI/club president/registered owner announced there was no insurance, and he wanted to be paid for the damage. As an old friend used to say, “Sooner or later, every crook ends up at the airport.”
The infinitely patient CFI working with me for an instrument rating (yes, it’s still on hold—weather, new avionics installations, annuals, crashes, and trying to learn to use the marvelous gadgetry) is affiliated with probably the best club in this area. After nearly 50 years at Cincinnati’s Blue Ash Airport (formerly KISZ), the “Flying Neutrons” came to roost at Lebanon-Warren County Airport (I68) because Blue Ash was morphed into a suburban park. The club’s curious name originated with the founders—engineers from the nearby GE Aerospace aircraft engine division. The club lost some members who found the new location inconvenient, but it’s back up with 145 members (32 on a waiting list) and six airplanes.
