East Coast Aero Club operates as a FAR Part 61 flight school and aircraft rental club. Below is a list of frequently asked questions about our policies and practices. We have also compiled a list of frequently asked questions about what it takes to get a Private Pilot license, see “Considering A Pilot’s License?”
What are your hours of operation?
Aircraft are available for training and rental 365 days per year. The office is staffed 7:00 am to dusk every day but aircraft can be scheduled earlier and later.
Do I have to pay dues to be a club member?
No. Dues are not required. All we ask is that you establish an account and keep a minimum balance in that account.
Are there any additional fees added to the rental rate of the aircraft?
No. All fuel is included in the aircraft hourly rate. When fuel prices are unusually high, a fuel surcharge may be added.
Do you sell gift certificates?
Yes, we sell gift certificates for any amount you would like to give. Gift certificates can be used for anything we sell, including flight lessons, aircraft rental, and pilot supplies. We can help you determine the proper amount, whether it’s for an introductory flight or a gift for an exprerienced pilot, just ask!
How do I get to East Coast Aero Club?
We are located at Hanscom Field in Bedford, which is 1 mile west of Route 128 (Interstate 95). Take exit 30B to route 2A west and follow signs for Hanscom Field/Civil Air Terminal, which will be on the right. Continue straight down the access road and park in the lot on your left. Walk into the Civil Air Terminal and turn right. We are on the first floor, down the hall in room 111 on the left.
Is East Coast Aero Club accessible by public transportation?
Yes, there is a bus that will deliver you to our doorstep. MBTA bus 76 leaves Alewife station and has its last stop at the Civil Air Terminal at Hanscom Field. For schedules and fares, visit the MBTA website at www.mbta.com.
What is required for a checkout?
Tomahawk, Warrior, and Skyhawk
- Student pilot or higher
- Minimum 1 hour checkout with any of our flight instructors
Arrow, C182T
- Private pilot or higher, 125 hours total time
- Written quiz
- If no time in make & model (PA28R-201 or C182T), minimum 5 hour checkout
- If 5 hours in make & model (PA28R-201 or C182T), checkout
- If 50 hours complex (for the Arrow)or high performance (for the C182T), checkout
Diamond Star
- Private pilot or higher, 125 Total time
- VFR 5 hours in make and model
- IFR hours as required on top of the VFR checkout to ensure safe IFR operation with Garmin G1000 system
Seminole
- Private Multi, 300 hours total time
- Written exam
- If 100 hours or more multi, checkout
- If less than 100 hours multi, but 10 or more hours in make & model (PA44-180), checkout
- If less than 100 hours multi and no time in make & model (PA44-180), 10 hours dual with one of our MEIs
Robinson R22
- Solo, no passengers, must meet requirements of SFAR 73
- Solo, with passengers, 100 hours in R22 and must have completed Robinson Helicopter Safety Course
Is training conducted under FAR Part 61 or Part 141?
All training at ECAC is conducted under Part 61.
Are you approved for VA benefits?
No.
Are you able to issue an INS form I-20 to foreign students?
No.
If I take an airplane for a full day, is there a minimum number of hours I have to fly?
Yes, if you reserve an airplane for 8 or more hours in a single day, you must fly or pay for at least 3 hours (5 hours for the Diamond Katana). For instance, if you take an airplane for a weekend (Saturday morning through Sunday evening), you must pay for at least 6 hours, or the time you fly, whichever is more.
How do I maintain my currency in East Coast Aero Club airplanes?
In order to maintain currency, each member must fly at least 1 hour every 90 days in each make and model of aircraft he or she wishes to fly. Currency in one aircraft does not imply currency in another. If currency lapses, the pilot may regain it by flying with a club flight instructor or obtaining other authorization.
Do you have any restrictions on the runways you allow your airplanes to land on?
Yes. We do not allow our aircraft to land on runways less than 3,000 feet in length, and on runways that are unpaved and/or unimproved. These restrictions have been fairly recent, and we have found that since the change, there has been far less wear and tear on the landing gear of our aircraft, particularly the Arrows.
There are some exceptions to this rule; we do allow our aircraft to go to Katama, Lakes Region, Block Island, and Basin Harbor.
Can I use my foreign pilot’s license to fly in the U.S.?
Yes, follow the instructions on the FAA web site.