ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Fort Meade Flying Activity, which flies from Tipton Airfield adjacent to Fort George G. Meade, MD., is available to many including Active Duty, retired military, Department of Defense civilian employees, military academy cadets, Guard and Reserve forces.
"I have been with the club since May 2003," said Tech. Sgt. Padoyable T. Greaves, 89th Communications Squadron Wideband Maintenance craftsman. "I found out about it through an Aeroclub member while I was stationed at Osan Air Base, Korea."
Through FMFA, members are eligible to obtain private, instrument and commercial pilots' licenses.
"For the private pilot's license, it could take anywhere from three to four months, depending on how often you fly," he said. "The Federal Aviation Administration requires a minimum of 40 hours, but the norm is around 70 hours."
The FMFA currently has three T-41Cs, one Cessna C-172, three Cessna C-152s and one Piper Arrow for members to train on.
"Currently, I have 240 flying hours and I possess a private pilot's license with an instrument rating," said Sergeant Greaves. "I have completed commercial pilot ground school and will be working on my commercial pilot's license."
The FMFA holds quarterly safety meetings, which are mandatory for all members to attend. These meetings are usually held on the second Tuesday in the months of March, June, September, December and last for approximately two hours. The purpose of these meetings is to ensure all FMFA pilots are up to date on all of the current club and airport related safety issues.
Members are required to pay annual fees as well as hourly fees per plane they plan on flying.
For more information, visit
http:// fortmeadeflyingactivity.org.