Financing the Next Chapter: How AOPA Helped a Flying Club Grow

Back in 2016, Ernie Kelly and some fellow newly minted KCSG pilots were wondering what to do next. “We all had these brand-new flying certificates and nothing to fly.” They pooled their money to purchase a 1965 Cessna 172. And, through a connection with AOPA’s Jamie Beckett, they used it to start a flying club.

Nine years later, Ernie is a 300-hour+ private pilot, and his club has outgrown the 172. This year, they decided to add to their fleet. Club members knew this purchase would be different. “We weren’t going to be able to go like we did last time, door to door and ask our members to pitch in, because we’re a flying club, we’re not technically an equity club.” As a group, they decided to purchase a Cessna 182 and to pursue financing through AOPA Finance. “That was my first choice, because of Jamie and my great respect for AOPA. I’ve been using their insurance products for years.”

AOPA Finance helped them understand how lenders handle different ownership structures and set them up with a bank that specializes in financing flying clubs.  Clubs are not as easy to finance as they may seem, but that’s what AOPA Finance does best—they locate the right lender for your situation.

“We’re very grateful to AOPA Finance. They were very patient with us. They could tell when they got that first email from us that we had no idea what we were doing, so they gave us to the people with the big, soft gloves.”

When asked what advice he might have for first-time buyers, Ernie said, “It is to your advantage to be pre-qualified, to go through and get all the paperwork and all the stuff up front because airplanes do not stay on the market long.” He also advised not to hesitate to ask questions.

Great advice. Great rates. Helpful and responsive reps you can trust. Three good reasons to turn to AOPA Aviation Finance when you are buying or refinancing an airplane. If you need a dependable source of financing with people who are on your side, just call 800.62.PLANE (800.627.5263), or click here to request a quote.