Our History:
The history of the Eagle Flying Club of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University begins with the dreams of Talton Higbee Embry and John Paul Riddle on December 17, 1925 when they founded the Embry-Riddle Company. After World War II and further development, Embry-Riddle established the largest residential campus and created its academic headquarters in Daytona Beach located adjacent to the Daytona Beach International Airport in 1965. The campus, with an adjacent aircraft ramp, created the perfect setting for flight training.
It was 32 years into flight training success at Daytona Beach when a select group of staff presented interest in creating an opportunity for all employees to experience the thrill of flying at an affordable rate. As legend is told, the Director and Chairman of the Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach Flight Training Department in 1997, Dr. Kenneth Stackpoole, was both the developer and first president of the employee-based Eagle Flying Club. In 1998, the Eagle Flying Club of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was incorporated as a 501(c)4 non-profit organization and during an aircraft fleet refresh, Stackpoole negotiated the deal to “buy” two Cessna 172s (N109ER and N139ER) from Embry-Riddle for $10 each. He acquired the support from the university in the form of funds to cover the insurance on the aircraft and an agreement to provide aircraft maintenance at an affordable rate. Since the first annual funding grant of $25,000 from university, the school has continued generous financial contributions to support the needs of the Eagle Flying Club. During the first seven years, the Eagle Flying Club evolved tremendously with the addition of two additional Cessna 172s entering the fleet (N737WR and N9963E), the development of its first web page, and the implementation of an online scheduling site.
Today, the Eagle Flying Club offers two aircraft (N416WR and N428WR) and it still follows the principle the club was founded on – “To provide ERAU employees an opportunity to learn about aviation, train towards the attainment of flight certificates and ratings, and rent EFC aircraft at an economical rate.”
FAQs
Who is eligible to join?
All regular full-time employees of ERAU Daytona Beach Campus and ERAU World Wide Campus and their immediate family members who reside within the Daytona Beach, FL local area are eligible to enroll as members of the EFC after one year of full-time employment at ERAU. The one-year wait period may be waived at the discretion of the EFC Membership Officer.
Do I need a pilot's license to join?
Not at all. You don’t have to have any aviation experience. If you want, you can receive flight training from one of the club’s instructors and get your pilot’s license.
Can I receive flight instruction in club airplanes?
Absolutely! The club’s primary goal is to promote aviation. The club maintains a list of approved flight instructors willing to give instruction. After you become a member, feel free to get in touch with one.
Can I take passengers flying with me?
Of course! However, per the EFC Flight Operations Rules, no person may act as pilot-in-command or operate an EFC aircraft unless that person is a member in good standing and has been authorized by the EFC Standardization Officer to act as a pilot, instructor, or student.
How much does it cost to join?
Monthly dues are $20. New members must pay the first year of dues up front totaling $240. This payment is non-refundable. After one year, monthly dues will be paid by payroll deduction. The payroll deduction form is available here.
How do I schedule an airplane for a flight?
The Eagle Flying Club uses an online scheduling system called Schedule Master and it is easy to use. After joining the EFC, a new member will receive a username and password that can be used to access Schedule Master.
I'm ready to join. How do I become a member of the EFC?
Completion of the EFC Membership Application is required. Simply follow the included instructions, complete the included Membership Form, prepare the required documents and payment, and contact the EFC Membership Officer.