Own a fifth of five airplanes — sort of
MAFC is a non-equity, non-profit club: you don't buy a share of an airplane, you join a community that shares five of them. Here's exactly what it costs and how to join. No sales pitch — the numbers do that on their own.
Initiation fee
One-time and non-refundable — it goes straight into aircraft upgrades and purchases, which is why the fleet looks the way it does. Refunded if you resign within 30 days (max two flights).
Dues
Covers everything that doesn’t burn avgas: insurance, tie-downs, and the clubhouse. This is what replaces renter’s insurance, membership fees, and the mystery line items on an FBO invoice.
Aircraft time
Hobbs time only — engine running to engine off, dry. Fuel is billed at the club’s average cost (figure roughly $55/hr more, wet, moving with avgas prices), and fuel you buy on trips is reimbursed. Instructors (for those who want them) charge $50–$75/hr.
Fees are set by the Board of Trustees and may change — the membership application PDF always has the current figures. The club looks for members who’ll be an asset to the operation, not just the cheapest hour of flying in New Jersey. Though, for the record, it may also be that.
Four steps, no fine print
Come to two meetings
Attend a general membership meeting (3rd Saturday, 9:00 AM) and/or a Board of Trustees meeting. No commitment — just meet the club, ask questions, and see the airplanes. If you already fly, bring your certificate, logbook, and medical.
Read the rules, then apply
Start your application online in two minutes, then review the club Rules & Regulations and submit the signed application with the initiation fee and two months' dues. The Board of Trustees votes on every application, and you'll be assigned a mentor from day one.
Get checked out — or get started
Rated pilots fly a checkout with a club instructor in each aircraft they want to use. Not a pilot yet? Arrange instruction with one of our member CFIs and start working toward your certificate in club aircraft at member rates.
Fly like an owner
Reserve online through Flight Circle, fly, and pay only for Hobbs time plus fuel. Weekend trips, overnights (with Ops approval), $100 hamburgers — the fleet is yours to share.
Your first year: probationary membership
Every new member spends 12 months as a probationary member with a mentor — a member whose job is to get you comfortable with the aircraft, the procedures, and the people. At the end of the year the Board confirms you as a full member. It’s an on-ramp, not an obstacle course.
Everything membership includes
- Access to all five club aircraft at member rates — $89–$100/hr Hobbs dry, roughly $144–$155 wet depending on fuel price
- Liability and hull insurance under the club policy — no renter's insurance needed
- Online scheduling & billing through Flight Circle
- Club instructors available for checkouts, flight reviews, and new students
- Monthly meetings with safety seminars from club CFIs
- Clubhouse access at Lakewood Airport for briefings and study
- Fly-outs, wash & wax days, holiday party, and the club newsletter
- A vote — the club is governed by its members, one vote each
Ready? Talk to Mark Sheprow.
Our Membership Officer will answer your questions, send you the application and Rules & Regulations, and tell you when the next meeting is.
The left seat is closer than you think.
Come to a meeting — third Saturday, 9:00 AM, Lakewood Airport. Shake some hands, kick some tires, and see what flying costs when nobody's making a profit on you.
Questions? Call Mark Sheprow, Membership Officer — 732.685.3473