How do I join Bacchus Marsh Aero Club?
Please use the membership menu and click on the “sign up today!” button. This will guide you through the step-by-step process to become a member. The 8 step process involves agreeing to an information privacy policy, entering your general and contact details, then adding in copies of your license and medical. The remainder is setting up your login details to use the website.
What are the joining fees?
The member fees depend whether you are a flying or social member and the dollar amount is noted on the first step of the joining process, under “total”.
Member fees cover our overheads and operating costs.
As of May 2023, a new flying member is $150 for the first year, every following year for a flying member is $125, and a social member is $50. Fees are annual.
Can I hire an aircraft without being a member?
No. It is a requirement to be a financial club member. Hiring an aircraft without becoming a financial club member is not possible.
Do you offer flight training?
We are a club only for private operations, however, we have started collaboration with a handful of independent instructors. Get in touch with us if you want to know more.
What aircraft are available?
The club operates predominantly Cessna type models. Currently we have two Cessna 150 and two Cessna 172.
A Cessna 182 is available through contacting the club and we can put you in touch with the owner who is a club member, too.
We charge a wet-rate and tachometer, with YBSS (Bacchus Marsh) landing fees included.
This is the most economical for the hirer, as you pay for how much throttle you use, not from when you first turn the key like most rental organisations. The great thing about us is, we are all about making aviation as affordable as possible, that is our mission.
We use a simple booking system on a phone app or through the website. Just have a look at the calendar slots, pick a time and lock it in – simple.
Sounds good! How do I pay for a flight?
After you complete your flight and note the flight time on the logsheet, head home for the day and pay by bank transfer.
There are no cash drops, credit card swipes or having to find the office person. It’s all done in your own time, well after the flight.
The Club BSB is 633 000 and the account number is 164 843 336
Are there any requirements to begin flying the club aircraft?
Prospective club members need to have some aircraft type experience before attending the familiarsation, as we cannot conduct an impromptu "lesson" on flying Cessnas.
The aircraft's owner/s require an initial familiarisation flight of a new club member, with an approved club member.
This will most likely be conducted with a committee member, for a short hop around 0.5h. Don’t worry, we are just looking to see you handle the aircraft with due care, so that the owner would be happy to hand you the keys.
What kind of license do I need to fly the club aircraft?
A CASA-issued Recreational, Private or Commercial Pilots License is required.
ATPL is fine too, we welcome you back to flying lighties!
Where are the aircraft kept and how do I get going?
The aircraft are positioned at YBSS (Bacchus Marsh) and are accessed by drawing the logbooks
and keys from a safe spot we have set aside. A member is able to go to the aerodrome, park nearby, grab the keys and go to the aircraft. There are no restricted areas, no fences to wait behind, no display of an ASIC. Just pre-flight and go.
I’m thinking about doing some hour building, is this the right club for me?
You are more than welcome to fly the aircraft as much as you can. We appreciate those who wish to hour-build and can provide a cost-effective method to gaining those logbook hours.
I want to get some serious hours done and am thinking about taking the aircraft away for several days, is this possible?
Yes, we can support this and even negotiate a dry-rate. A long fly-away such as this can be organised through the committee and has been done before several times.
Furthermore, we don't charge you a seperate fee for time away from home base.
I still have other questions before I join, can I reach out?
Yes, please send an email to the committee and we will get back to you.