The Basics:
Air Explorer's Squadron 8 was started in 1949 by Charles Carpenter, a Navy pilot who served in the Second World War. Dedicated to providing young people an introduction to aviation, Charlie gathered the best talent he could find to serve as conservative, skilled advisors. Years later, in the 1960's, enough funding was procured to purchase an airplane. The post has been flying ever since. We've operated 10 aircraft over the years, and currently operate two.
The Details:
The post operates as two entities. The first is Air Explorer's Squadron 8 BSA, and is a branch of the Boy Scouts of America. This organization provides the ground school instruction, field trip activities, and orientation flights. In the 1980's, the BSA stopped funding of insurance for actual dual flight instruction. Having anticipated just such a situation, Charlie and his advisors established Air Explorer's Squadron 8 Inc., a non-profit corporation that owns the airplanes, raises money, and provides the actual flight instruction. Insurance is provided by the corporation and fully covers the flight instruction that our young members receive.
Members are encouraged to start at age 14. They attend the weekly post function on Saturdays, beginning at 8:30 with ground school. After class ends at 9:30, a general meeting is held to discuss upcoming events, activities and current issues. Following the meeting, members wash and wax aircraft for a local maintenance shop. Proceeds from the wash jobs are used to purchase fuel for the post aircraft. While the members are working, they rotate in groups of 3 for orientation flights in our Cherokee 180.
As they progress through the year, they are prepared for the FAA Private Pilot written exam. This preparation includes an intensive ground school course held over a weekend in late Spring. Following the intensive course, members of eligible age are encouraged to take their written exams. After passing, they are assigned to a flight instructor and begin one-on-one flight training in our Cessna 150 trainer. At the end of their training, they are sent to take their FAA Practical Exam, and passing, become licensed pilots!
Throughout the year, fund-raising events are held to support the post's very expensive annual budget. Financing obviously plays an important part, as maintaining two aircraft is an ongoing and expensive process. Members are expected to participate, and parental involvement is essential. With a budget such as ours, fundraising is a vital part of the post's existence. Donations are gratefully accepted and appreciated. If you are interested in contributing financially, you may send your donation to:
Air Explorer's Squadron 8Cost:
How much does all of this cost? The talk of our expensive budget above could be frightening in terms of dues; but the reason our staff pushes so hard for fund-raising is to make the experience affordable. The initial cost for joining is $100.00, paid after a 6-week visit to ensure that your son or daughter is interested and willing to participate. In return, they receive ground school books, a navigational plotter, flight computer, a shirt bearing the post emblem, and of course the experience itself. This initial fee also includes your first year's annual dues.
Thereafter, annual dues are $50.00. That figure is correct, we didn't miss a zero! $7.00 of that fee goes toward BSA registration, and the remaining $43.00 is deposited into the general fund. This annual fee provides for the weekly activities. Field trips and special events may incur additional fees; but are optional.
The only cost not included in the initial joining fee or the annual dues is the cost of dual flight instruction. Prices for the airplanes vary with expenses; but generally run 3/4 of market price. Instructor rental is $12.00, roughly 1/3 the market cost, making the entire experience just over 1/2 of market price.
In Summary:
We work hard to provide your son or daughter a wonderful opportunity and experience. Our flight instructors operate throughout the week providing quality instruction to students who have worked hard and passed their written exams. Even after earning their pilots' licenses, students are encouraged to stay in touch with, and garner advice from their instructors. It's a relationship that may extend for years. Indeed, several of our flight instructors are former graduates of the program.
Prepared ground school lessons are given every Saturday morning as part of the normal weekly activities. One-on-one instructional sessions and study groups are common near exam time.
Fly-ins and field trips are included to keep the experience varied and exciting. An occasional change of scenery helps keep a fresh perspective.
Finally, social interaction and a sense of accomplishment make the post an enjoyable bright spot in each member's life. Come visit us at Billard Airport in Topeka. We're in the training room above Hetrick Aircraft every Saturday morning beginning at 8:30. We'd love to see you. If you have a son or daughter who may be interested, come check out our operation and meet us in person. If you're simply interested seeing what we do or in helping out, drop by for a tour or one of our famous "hangar flying" sessions.
Warmest Regards,
The Post 8 Advisors