One of the planes you see flying above Orcas Island is this one…
Inside it are a flight instructor and a student, from school age to adult, working to earn their pilot’s license.
The plane belongs to the Airhawks Flying Club, a 501(c)(3) organization that exists with the intent to give local people the opportunity to get their pilot’s license right here without being burdened by time-consuming off-island travel and expenses.
While some clubs charge a $3,000-$5,000 initiation fee and $150-$170 per hour to fly the aircraft (plus the instructor’s hourly fee), Airhawks charges a $500 initiation fee for insurance, $100 per hour to fly the aircraft, and about $50 per hour for the instructor’s fee.
Pilots who want to join Airhawks for the opportunity to continue flying pay $120 per hour for use of the plane.
The hourly fee for the aircraft covers fuel, insurance, hangar costs, and a reserve for regular engine overhauls.
For those who want to learn, there are two very experienced certified flight instructors for Airhawks – Tony Simpson and Eric Gourley.
A person must be 17 years old to get their license, but students can begin their instruction before that age. There are scholarships available up to $4,000 regardless of income level, thanks to generous donations made by other pilots. A person awarded a scholarship is automatically part of the club and the $500 initiation fee is waived.
There is also a high school flight training scholarship available through Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). This year, 80 students from 15-18 years old will each be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Click here for more information about it.
All told, it costs a minimum of $7,000 to get a license with Airhawks, and the training period can be spread out or condensed depending on the student’s schedule. Bob Waunch, local pilot and administrator of the club, recommends that prospective students get as many flight hours in as short a time period as possible for the sake of information retention. He even knows of someone who got their license in just four weeks.
If you are interested in Airhawks Flying Club, click here to peruse their Facebook page or call Bob Waunch at 360-376-2450 to learn more details.
Thank you, Bob, for all of your information and kindness!
Photo of Airhawks plane by Bob Waunch
Aerial photos by Evan Kulper in Beverly Franklet’s plane, thanks to her generous flight with him one Young Eagles Day. Thanks to the wonderful pilots on our island, our son has flown over the San Juan Islands almost every year, at no cost! They even let the kids do the flying! Whoa.
