Let's keep "Learn to Fly Day" going every day
We want to thank the people that came out to our Learn to Fly Day event on May 15th. It was a pleasure to meet all of you and share our love of aviation with you. Hopefully you came away with all of the answers you were looking for and are ready to start your training soon. If that's the case, best wishes and let us know once you've passed your checkride - we'd love to be able to shake your hand and congratulate you. If you still need some information or other questions have come up, or you'd like pointers to resources online, you can let us know at learntofly -at- joplinflyers.org. Others who may not have made it to the event, that applies to you as well, we'd be happy to point you in the right direction. A collection of our favorite sites is available from the "Flying Resources" link above, but the internet is a big place and we can't link to all the cool stuff we've found.
Thanks for making the inaugural International Learn to Fly Day, as observed by the Joplin Flyers, a success.
Clear skies and tailwinds,
The Joplin Flyers
Interested in flying?
Whether you've wanted to learn to fly since you were a kid or since last week, odds are you have plenty of questions about the process and the destination. The aviation community has a saying:
"A mile of road gets you a mile, but a mile of runway gets you anywhere."The freedom available once you've earned your Private Pilot's Certificate is extensive.
The Joplin Flyers, Inc. is a flying club that has been based in Joplin, MO since 1967 when a group of pilots decided they'd rather own their own airplane than rent from others. Today we're dedicated to flying as safely and as affordably as we possibly can. We've joined with the Experimental Aircraft Association and other Joplin-area groups who promote aviation in holding an event for Learn to Fly Day, which is being observed on May 15 all over the world.
We will be holding two sessions at 10am and 2pm (same content) tuned to talk about the rewards and challenges of learning to fly. We'd like to share our hobby with you and talk airplanes with anyone who's interested. No pressure, no sales - we don't offer flight training (though our members are allowed to learn in our aircraft.) but can steer you to those who do. (Mizzou Aviation, the "FBO" at Joplin who offers flight training will be in attendance) The event is totally free, and there will be pilots and probably an instructor or two around to answer questions, tell stories, and build your excitement for flight.
If you want to learn to fly, come visit us May 15th in the old terminal building at Joplin Regional Airport. We do ask that you RSVP so we know how many to plan for - you can do that at www.learntoflyday.com.
Flying? Isn't that expensive?
Like most hobbies, flying can be done on a variety of budgets. It is not "cheap", particularly if you want to remain proficient and safe - but many folks spend more on golf / boating / other hobbies than most of the pilots we know spend flying. There are many options out there, including flying clubs, to make it more affordable. We're particularly fond of that method, but we're very biased. Other options include the relatively new Light Sport Pilot certification and kit/experimental airplanes.
