BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Big changes are coming to the Bakersfield Flying Club, including a move to Meadows Field Airport (BFL), new clubhouse facilities, additional aircraft, and the addition of the Redbird FMX Advanced Aviation Training Device.
The FMX will be available for use by non-club members, too, and is an ideal platform for initial instruction as well as IFR currency and emergency procedures training, club officials note.
Now based at Bakersfield Municipal Airport (L45), the club is taking 1,100 square feet of space in the Atlantic Aviation building on the east side of BFL, enough to house the new simulator and provide room for flight planning, instructor briefings and hangar talk. Aircraft will be stored in the historic Hangar Six.
“We’re very excited about the move,” said Fred Webster, CFII, one of the club’s original founders. “The club is growing, the economy is improving, and it just seemed like the right time to make the move.”
The club now operates two Cessna 172s: a 180-hp SP with IFR GPS and autopilot and a classic straight tail, used mainly for training new students. Two more airplanes will be coming online in the coming weeks, including a Cessna 150 with a Garmin 430W and a Cherokee 180.
“We’re totally focused on providing safe, cost-efficient opportunities for pilots and students alike,” said Bill Woodbury, CFII, incoming club president.
The club plans several outreach programs to make the community aware of the club and to build membership, which currently stands at some 65 members.
For more information, or to schedule simulator time, contact Fred Webster at 661-619-6943 or go to BakersfieldFlyingClub.com
I have flown many hours in the 737 with Fred. His wife Donna reinstated my CFI certificate several years ago. Fred is one of the most professional aviators I have had the pleasure of sharing a cockpit with. I now work as a check flight instructor and enjoy passing along my skills to a much younger generation. I can also say that Fred’s flying skills are surpassed only by his brewing skills.. Best of luck to the club. I look forward to coming to Bakersfield for a visit and a tour of the club. Wayne Grant