Aircraft type club
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aircraft type clubs exist to provide information and support to a single aircraft type or a group of aircraft types from the same manufacturer or family of aircraft.
Most aircraft type clubs are independent of the manufacturer. While the majority are organized as not-for-profit associations, some type clubs are run as for-profit businesses. In general they can provide a wealth of information on specific aircraft types and variants. There are hundreds of these clubs around the world providing services to many, if not most, aircraft types that have been produced in any significant numbers.
Type clubs vary in the services they offer and how they work. Some are simply volunteer clubs run by one enthusiast, using a free web service to provide a website. These often have minimal publications or services. On the other end of the scale some of the largest types clubs have a fulltime staff and offer a full range of services.
A possible list of services offered might include:
- a magazine to pass type-related information
- news and events
- a website
- technical question support from aircraft type experts
- buyers guides
- conventions and fly-ins
- information on Airworthiness Directives that apply
- information on Supplemental Type Certificates available
- type-specific classified ads (often on-line)
- background and aircraft type historical information
- maintenance tips publications
- operating tips information
- maintenance and aircraft systems courses
- aircraft type conversion training programs
- type specific insurance
- formation flying training
- scholarships
In some cases, especially those dealing with highly popular aircraft designs, there may be two or more competing type clubs offering services for the same aircraft type or types.
