How can I get started?
Call 781-274-6322 to schedule an introductory airplane or helicopter lesson and come on down to the airport. You could be flying tomorrow.
What does it take to complete a pilot’s license?
In order to get an FAA pilot’s certificate and be able to take friends and family on trips, you will need a minimum of 40 hours of flight instruction. See our helicopter training page for more details on rotorcraft and our airplane training page if you are more interested in fixed-wing. Also see the official FAA site and be a pilot.
What are your hours of operation?
Aircraft are available for training and rental 365 days per year. The office is staffed 8:00 am to dusk every day but aircraft can be scheduled earlier and later.
Do I have to pay dues to be a club member?
No monthly dues are required. All we ask is that you establish an account and keep a $100 minimum balance in that account.
Are there any additional fees added to the rental rate of the aircraft?
There are no fuel or other surcharges at East Coast Aero Club. All fuel is included in the aircraft hourly rate.
Do you sell gift certificates?
Yes, we sell gift certificates for any amount. Gift certificates can be used for anything we sell, including flight lessons, aircraft rental, and pilot supplies. We can help you determine the proper amount, whether it’s for an introductory flight or a gift for an exprerienced pilot, just call 781-274-6322 and ask!
How do I get to East Coast Aero Club?
We are located at Hanscom Field in Bedford, which is 1 mile west of Route 128 (Interstate 95). Take exit 30B to route 2A west and follow signs for Hanscom Field/Civil Air Terminal, which will be on the right. Continue straight down the access road and park in the lot on your left. Walk into the Civil Air Terminal and turn right. We are on the first floor, down the hall in room 111 on the left.
Is East Coast Aero Club accessible by public transportation?
Yes, there is a bus that will deliver you to our doorstep. MBTA bus 76 leaves Alewife station and has its last stop at the Civil Air Terminal at Hanscom Field. For schedules and fares, visit the MBTA website at www.mbta.com.
What is required for a checkout?
Tomahawk, Warrior, and Skyhawk
- Student pilot or higher
- Minimum 1 hour checkout with any of our flight instructors
Arrow, C182T
- Private pilot or higher, 125 hours total time
- Written quiz
- If no time in make & model (PA28R-201 or C182T), minimum 5 hour checkout
- If 5 hours in make & model (PA28R-201 or C182T), checkout
- If 50 hours complex (for the Arrow)or high performance (for the C182T), checkout
Seminole
- Private Multi, 300 hours total time
- Written exam
- If 100 hours or more multi, checkout
- If less than 100 hours multi, but 10 or more hours in make & model (PA44-180), checkout
- If less than 100 hours multi and no time in make & model (PA44-180), 10 hours dual with one of our MEIs
Robinson R44
- Solo, no passengers, must meet requirements of SFAR 73
- Solo, with passengers, endorsement from Paul Cantrell or Philip Greenspun
Is training conducted under FAR Part 61 or Part 141?
All fixed wing training at ECAC is conducted under Part 61. We have a Part 141 certificate for Private thru CFII helicopter.
Are you approved for VA benefits?
We are approved for VA benefits for helicopter ratings above the private.
Are you able to issue an INS form I-20 to foreign students?
No.
If I take an airplane for a full day, is there a minimum number of hours I have to fly?
If you reserve an airplane for 8 or more hours in a single day, you must fly or pay for at least 3 hours. For instance, if you take an airplane for a weekend (Saturday morning through Sunday evening), you must pay for at least 6 hours, or the time you fly, whichever is more.
How do I maintain my currency in East Coast Aero Club airplanes?
In order to maintain currency, each member must fly at least 1 hour every 90 days in each make and model of aircraft he or she wishes to fly. Currency in one aircraft does not imply currency in another. If currency lapses, the pilot may regain it by flying with a club flight instructor or obtaining other authorization.
Do you have any restrictions on the runways you allow your airplanes to land on?
Except for certain airports, such as Katama on Martha’s Vineyard, we require our customers to use paved runways at least 3000 feet in length. Additional exceptions include Lakes Region, Block Island, and Basin Harbor.
Can I use my foreign pilot’s license to fly in the U.S.?
Yes, follow the instructions on the FAA web site.