Fly a well-maintained aircraft at member rates, with none of the overhead of a traditional flight school.
Our fleet is maintained to a high standard, with dedicated officers overseeing safety and airworthiness year-round.
A close-knit group of pilots, from student pilots to seasoned aviators, sharing the fleet and the love of flying.
1976 Cessna 172M — N355VA
A Lycoming O-320, 150 hp, IFR-rated 172 with a Garmin GNS430 GPS. Membership is currently capped at 20 members sharing this aircraft, with more planes planned as the club grows.
See the Fleet →Become a Member
$1,200 initiation · $145/hr wet on N355VA · rates set per aircraft
Ready to own the sky with us?
Applications are reviewed by the membership committee on a rolling basis.
Apply for MembershipA flying club at I68 Warren County Airport
Gem City Aviators is a flying club based at I68 Warren County Airport. We exist to give pilots — from first-solo students to seasoned aviators — safe, well-maintained, and affordable access to aircraft.
Our purpose is simple: encourage members to build and maintain their flying skills, keep the fleet safe and airworthy, and foster a community of pilots in the greater Dayton, Ohio region.
How the club is run
A standing leadership team oversees the club's governing documents and sets its overall direction.
A President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Safety Officer, and Maintenance Officer run day-to-day operations, from scheduling to setting rates to fleet upkeep.
Membership classes
Full use of the club fleet once checked out.
Use of the designated trainer with a club instructor. Upgrades to Regular after earning a Private certificate.
Join the club
| Regular | |
|---|---|
| Initiation fee | $1,200 |
| Monthly dues | $120 |
| Hourly rate (wet, tach) — N355VA | $145/hr |
Hourly rates are set per aircraft, based on that aircraft's specifics, by the President and Treasurer, and may be adjusted at any time to reflect fuel prices and other economic factors. The rate shown reflects the club's current aircraft, N355VA, and may change.
How to apply
Reach out to the membership committee for an initial conversation about the club, its aircraft, and current openings.
Submit your application along with the initiation fee for your membership class. If the club is at capacity, you'll be placed on the waitlist.
The membership committee reaches out for an interview, along with a background and driving-history check.
Once approved, you'll complete a ground and flight check with a club instructor before flying on your own.
Who can join
- Regular members must be at least 18. Student members must be at least 16 (a parent or guardian must co-sign under 18).
- All applicants must be of good moral character and financially able to meet membership obligations.
- Students must fly with a club-approved instructor until they hold a Private certificate.
- Every applicant passes a background and driving-record check and is approved by the membership committee.
One aircraft, growing
1976 Cessna 172M
| Hourly rate | $145/hr wet, tach time |
| Engine | Lycoming O-320, 150 hp |
| Avionics | Garmin GNS430 GPS, IFR-rated |
| Seats | 4 |
| Role | Trainer & cross-country |
Membership on N355VA is currently capped at 20 members. We plan to add aircraft to the fleet as the club grows.
See pricing →Common questions
Do I need to already be a pilot to join?
No. We welcome student pilots as well as certificated pilots. Student members train in the club trainer with a club-approved instructor and can upgrade to Regular membership after earning a Private certificate.
What aircraft can I fly?
Right now, the club operates one aircraft: N355VA, a 1976 Cessna 172M with a Garmin GNS430 GPS. We plan to add more aircraft as membership grows.
How many members share the plane?
Membership is capped at 20 members per aircraft, so scheduling stays manageable. If the club is full, new applicants join a waitlist.
What does membership cost?
Regular membership is $1,200 to join and $120 per month in dues. Hourly rates are set per aircraft; the club's current aircraft, N355VA, is $145 per wet tach hour. See the Membership & Pricing page for full details.
Can I bring my own flight instructor?
Student members must fly with a club-approved instructor. This keeps training consistent with how the club's aircraft are operated and insured.
What happens after I submit an application?
The membership committee reaches out for an interview, along with a background and driving-history check. Once approved, you'll complete a ground and flight check with a club instructor before flying on your own.
Where is the club based?
I68 Warren County Airport, in Ohio.
Get in touch
Membership Coordinator
Ready to apply, or have questions about the club first? Send us a note and the membership committee will follow up about next steps — including current openings and the waitlist.
