Catholic Aviation Association launches flying club network

A new non-profit organization, The Catholic Aviation Association (CAA), whose motto is “Faith, Flying and Fellowship,” plans to establish a nationwide network of flying clubs, to be known as Cupertino Aviation Clubs.

CAA officials say they believe, as anyone who has made the journey to become a pilot will attest, that there is much more to flying than just the thrill. Flying, with all that it entails, is a schoolhouse for life. There are so many lessons to be learned. In addition to such things as aerodynamics, the airspace system, FAA regulations, weather and, of course, flying an aircraft, there are the life lessons of responsibility, hard work and perseverance, situational awareness, critical thinking, teamwork and crew coordination.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, CAA is looking for help to build the organization and establish the Cupertino Aviation Clubs (CACs).

CACs will be based on a common, cost-efficient aircraft platform (yet to be determined). This will have many benefits, including a high degree of standardization in training, operation, maintenance and safety, according to officials. It will also provide for reciprocity between clubs so that pilots from one club will be able to fly the aircraft in another.

Each club will be managed at the local level and qualified members will provide free simulator and flight instruction. An added benefit is that flight instructors desiring to pursue an airline career will be able to accumulate experience and flight time while developing their alternate career.

The first Cupertino Aviation Club is being established at the St. Theodore Guerin High School in Noblesville, Ind. Students will receive simulator training and ground school at the school. For now, these young men and women will receive their flight training at a nearby glider club.

For more information: CatholicAviation.org