Our Aircraft

Can you tell me more about the rates?

• A discounted mid-week rate is available on some aircraft for same-day flights on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday!
• A reduced minimum daily tach time requirement is available on some aircraft for multi-day trips.**
• Hourly rates include fuel (“wet”) and are based on tach time.

What is the difference between Tach Time and Hobbs Time?

• Aircraft time is measured by a tachometer (tach) and a Hobbs meter.
• The tach does not measure clock time; it measures engine revolutions. When the engine runs at cruise RPM, “time” on the tach passes at the same rate as the Hobbs meter. Below cruise RPM, the tach “time” passes more slowly than the Hobbs meter; above cruise RPM, it passes faster.
• The Hobbs meter functions like a stopwatch: it starts and stops in sync with the engine’s start and stop, and it operates at the same rate as an ordinary clock.
• A rough estimate of equivalent times can be calculated using these formulae:
  • Tach Time ~= Hobbs Time x 0.77
  • Hobbs Time ~= Tach Time x 1.3

What are the advantages of a wet tach time rental rate?

• No need to rush when on the ground and idling.
• Better fuel economy.
• Less engine wear and tear when not flying at maximum power.
• Alignment with inspections, overhauls, etc., that are based on tach time.
• Fairness – “The last pilot did not fill it up all the way!”
• You may not need to refuel after a short flight.

Can I purchase block time?

• Yes! You can purchase time in $1000 blocks of flight credit points ($1 per point), which include a $50 bonus of flight credit points.
• After paying $1000 for the block, 1050 flight credit points will be added automatically to your Flight Circle ledger.
• There are two ways to purchase a $1000 block of flight credits:
  • When checking in an aircraft, add the “Block Time” item.
  • Ask the club’s Treasurer to charge the “Block Time” item to your account.

Who may pilot the club’s aircraft?

• Some of the aircraft are available to student and private pilots, whilst others are only available to private pilots.
• Each aircraft has minimum requirements that members must meet before they may fly the aircraft.

May I have non-member passengers in the club’s aircraft?

• Yes! We encourage our members to take their friends and family members along.
• Non-member adults must complete a Partial Release of Liability prior to their first flight in club aircraft.
• A parent or legal guardian of a minor must complete a Partial Release of Liability on Behalf of a Minor prior to the minor’s first flight in club aircraft.

Would the club be interested in leasing my plane?

• The club is always looking for leaseback arrangements. Download our leaseback terms for more information, or contact the President or Chief Pilot.

Where can I find additional policies and procedures related to flight operations?

• See Bylaws and Rules for club-specific information.
• See Members Only for club- and KOAK-specific information.