Southeastern Minnesota Flying Club
A community of friends and pilots since 1958
Our Mission
SHARING THE ADVENTURE OF FLIGHT
For more than 60 years, the Southeastern Minnesota Flying Club has safely and economically delivered the excitement of personal aviation and aircraft ownership to area pilots. Based at the Rochester International Airport (KRST), the Southeastern Minnesota Flying Club offers members the opportunity to pursue their passion for aviation as co-owners of a fleet of modern aircraft.
Our mission is to promote an interest in, and a public appreciation of, aviation in all respects. As fellow pilots, we strive to provide economical access to safe, well-equipped, comfortable and attractive aircraft. As ambassadors of the broader aviation community, we take pride in sharing our pursuit with others. Whether through participation in outreach programs such as EAA's Young Eagles or Aviation Pathways, through sponsorship of educational seminars such as AOPA's Rusty Pilots, or through sharing our knowledge and experiences with fellow Club members at our monthly business and safety meetings, we aim to be visible, active role models for general aviation.
Photo by Rich Fugate, SEMFC
Sharing the thrill of flight is among the benefits of flying club membership.
If you're already an active pilot, we offer affordable access to a variety of airplanes suited to missions ranging from local sightseeing to regional day trips to long cross country flights. If you are a pilot whose experience has lapsed, a pilot who wants to add a new rating, or an aviation enthusiast yearning to become a pilot, you are welcome to join our Club. The Southeastern Minnesota Flying Club is not a flight school, but training is available at Rochester and nearby airports.
Join our group of pilot owners in one of the longest operating and most economical flying clubs in the United States. Contact us to learn how and to arrange a personal tour of our facilities.
Prospective Members
BUDGETING FOR MEMBERSHIP
To assist prospective members in budgeting and in comparing the benefits of flying club membership to other options for aircraft access, we offer the following examples of typical Southeastern Minnesota Flying Club membership expenses.
STANDARD TIER
Most Southeastern Minnesota Flying Club members enjoy Standard tier membership which entitles them to fly our Cessna and Piper aircraft and to use shared Club resources such as our portable Stratus ADS-B traffic and weather receiver. Typical expenses are as follows:
New Member Fees
Joining Fee (non-refundable):
Club Equity Buy-in (refundable):
Security Badge (renewed biennially):
Total:
$500.00
$500.00
$50.00
$1,050.00
Example Monthly Expenses
Membership Dues¹:
1 Tach Hour in N4480R²:
1 Tach Hour in N47955²:
Total before taxes:
$82.31
$50.00
$59.00
$191.31
HIGH PERFORMANCE TIER
Southeastern Minnesota Flying Club's High Performance tier is offered to qualified Club members on a space-available basis. Membership entitles access to our entire fleet, including our Cirrus aircraft, and requires payment of an additional aircraft equity buy-in and additional monthly dues. Typical expenses are as follows:
New Member Fees
Joining Fee (non-refundable):
Club Equity Buy-in (refundable):
High Performance Equity Buy-in (refundable):
Security Badge (renewed biennially):
Total:
$500.00
$500.00
$8,100.00
$50.00
$9,150.00
Example Monthly Expenses
Standard Tier Membership Dues¹:
High Performance Tier Membership Dues¹:
1 Hobbs Hour in N465BD²:
Total before taxes:
$82.31
$480.93
$80.00
$643.24
ACADEMIC TIER
Persons who are enrolled at least half time in an accredited secondary or undergraduate post-secondary education program may qualify for reduced New Member Fees when joining the Southeastern Minnesota Flying Club. Academic tier members are entitled to fly our Cessna and Piper aircraft and to use shared Club resources such as our portable Stratus ADS-B traffic and weather receiver. Academic tier members are required to become Standard tier or High Performance tier members when their education program enrollment ends.
¹Monthly membership dues are mandatory and cover the Club's fixed costs such as hangar rental, utilities and insurance. A portion of each month's membership dues is allocated to the Club's Aircraft Improvement Fund to pay for future aircraft and equipment upgrades. High Performance tier membership dues represent typical pricing based on average participation. Actual membership dues may vary with the number of Club members currently participating in the High Performance tier.
²The Southeastern Minnesota Flying Club does not mandate minimum monthly aircraft usage. Aircraft usage fees are incurred only if members reserve and fly an airplane.
JOINING OUR COMMUNITY
Ready to join our community of pilot owners? The application process is easy! Just follow the checklist below:
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Review Frequently Asked Questions about the Southeastern Minnesota Flying Club, and read the Club's Bylaws, our Flying Regulations and Operating Rules and our Administrative Policy
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Complete and submit a New Member Application
Follow the instructions accompanying the application form and include all required supporting documents. You must also submit a deposit check in the amount of $1,000 payable to Southeastern Minnesota Flying Club. The deposit covers your membership joining fee and your refundable equity buy-in. The Club will not process your payment until the Board of Directors has approved your membership and one of our officers has contacted you for confirmation.
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Attend a New Member Orientation session
During orientation, you will receive an overview of your responsibilities as a Club member regarding access to and use of Club assets, including our hangars, our aircraft and other pilot resources available to members. You will also be trained to use our online scheduling system and will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have as a new member of our community.
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Apply for an Airport Identification and Access Badge
To comply with Transportation Security Administration regulations and directives, all Southeastern Minnesota Flying Club members are required to be in possession of an airport-issued identification and access badge while in secured areas of the airport. The badging process is controlled by Rochester International Airport and the TSA and consists of filing an application, attending an education session and paying a processing fee. The New Member Orientation Packet contains additional details.
Member Resources
BOARD MEMBERS
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Jim Ulwelling
Donald Fuller
Glen Recknor
Rod Reicks
RESOURCES
Checklists
Pilot's Operating Handbooks
Garmin Reference Material
Flight Software Resources
Contact
Southeastern Minnesota Flying Club
P.O. Box 6664
Rochester, MN 55903-5554