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Flying Signaleers

The Flying Signaleers is a non-profit airplane partnership that is temporarily  located in Spanaway Washington at S44 airport. We had to move there until we have hangers at Thun ( KPLU). The partnership began in 1956 when several signaleers from the National Guard stationed at Fort Lewis bought a 1946 Aeronca Champ (N2677E) which is still owned by a local flyer. The aircraft was purchased before any of them knew how to fly. They immediately began their training at Thun Field (now KPLU) under the tutelage of "Slim" Lawson. The group incorporated as the Flying Signaleers in 1958. As a partnership that began in 1956, this is perhaps one of the oldest flight partnerships in the US.

The Flying Signaleers is primarily group of social pilots that value well-maintained equipment and friendships with other pilots.  The Flying Signaleers partnership is the vehicle for bringing people together with similar interest.

Our Values

We are not an aircraft rental service. The planes are owned, operated, cleaned, and managed by all of the members. The Flying Signaleers is a way for all of the members to share in the pleasure and pain of owning their own aircraft. As a partnership we value the following:

In Members

  • Honesty
  • Safety
  • Conscientious about how their actions affect other members
  • Don’t feel burdened by the share price or the hourly rates
  • Clean up planes after they use it
  • Pay for the damage they cause
  • Proud of the aircraft we own

In our Aircraft

  • Great condition
  • Well maintained
  • Look sharp
Financially
  • Not for profit
  • Planning for the future (saving money versus borrowing)
  • Spending money on good equipment but not always the latest and greatest
  • Safety above cost

Our Goals and Past Accompishments

2009 Goals

  • Build up membership through pricing and WAA shows
  • Continue to build on TBO fund for 172
  • Set up hanger exchange at Thun
  • Reach out to local flyers with club info.

2008 Accomplishments

  • Have props on 172 and 182 inspected and refurbed.
  • Build up membership
  • Set up more social events for club members
  • Minor painting for 172              

2007 Accomplishments

  • Build up membership to cover improvements in aircraft
  • Build up TBO fund
  • Replaced interior of 172

2006 Accomplishments

  • Moved aircraft to Thun Field
  • Establishing a TBO fund by putting money away each quarter from the hourly rate
  • Recruited new members to cover attrition from move to Thun field

2005 Accomplishments

  • Build a forecasting model.  The forecasting model will allow us to understand the affect changing variable has on the club.  It allows us to look at the affect of changes in gas prices, membership, dues, and maintenance.  It also sets the ground work for planning for future optional expenses like electronics upgrades, new paint jobs, interior upgrades, and additional planes.  See example.  Also, see complete breakdown of the hourly rate components for the 172.
  • Pay off the remainder of the 182 new-engine loan
  • Obtain a universal gas card for each aircraft that can be used practically anywhere
  • Web based aircraft reservation system
  • Club brochure for marketing to new members
  • New Flying Signaleer website and internet domain
  • Key processes available on-line
  • More automated (self help) membership application process
  • Membership questionaire
    • Financial study of the previous 6 years to better understand the fixed and variables costs and better match the costs to each aircraft.  This allows us to be much more objective about each plane, the hourly rate, and future financial goals
    • Audit of the 2004 financials and billing process
    • New engine for the 182


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