What is the difference between a flight school and a flying club?
A flight school usually operates under a more structured environment with exclusive access to aircraft and instructors. Flight schools can apply for 141 status. A flying club is technically a “non-profit” organization. However the key officers of the organization often pay themselves a handsome salary. Flying clubs often claim to have lower rates than flight schools but they have membership fees and monthly dues. Often the aircraft in flying clubs may become unavailable when a member takes an aircraft for a long period (vacation, business travel, etc.). Flying clubs can not operate under 141. Instructors who work at flying clubs do not have any accountability to other instructors and have no official additional supervision or oversight from the FAA like flight schools have.
