Cessna 150F
Two-seat trainer and economical local flyer
$70/hrDry · Hobbs
Member-operated flying club · IL48 Shafer Field
More access. More flying. Shared ownership.
Open Hangar Collective is a nonprofit, non-equity flying club serving the St. Louis Metro East. Members share access to three club aircraft and a community built around safe, affordable general aviation.
Why a flying club
Fly like an owner without owning alone.
Membership gives you owner-like access to the club’s aircraft, a voice in how the club operates, and rates built around sharing fixed costs.
Unlike a traditional rental operation, members support the aircraft together through monthly dues and pay dry hourly rates when they fly. The result is a practical way to stay active, build experience, travel, or train with a club-authorized instructor.
We keep aircraft access meaningful by managing the number of active pilots per airplane and operating under shared standards that protect the members, the aircraft, and the club.
Our aircraft
Three airplanes. One membership.
Rates are dry and based on Hobbs time. Members purchase fuel separately and operate under club checkout and scheduling requirements.
Piper Cherokee PA-28-160
Four-seat cross-country and training aircraft
$85/hrDry · Hobbs
Piper Cherokee PA-28-160
Four-seat club aircraft for training and travel
$85/hrDry · Hobbs
Around the hangar
Projects, fellowship, and airplanes.
Open Hangar Collective is member-operated, and there is usually more happening than just flying. Members pitch in on club projects, aircraft care, airport cleanup, and the occasional hangar gathering.
Because Facebook is updated more frequently than this website, it is the best place to see current club activity, recent photos, event updates, and announcements.
Membership
A straightforward path to the flight line.
One-time joining fee$850
Monthly dues$175
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Access to the full fleet
Qualified members can schedule all three club aircraft through AirportSync.
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Shared fixed costs
Dues support expenses such as hangar rent, insurance, annual inspections, subscriptions, scheduling, and administration.
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Choice of instruction
The club does not sell instruction, but members may train with approved independent instructors and arrange instruction fees directly.
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Member voice and responsibility
Members operate under the club’s standard operating procedures and help protect a shared aviation resource.
How to join
From interest to aircraft access.
After you apply, we send the detailed welcome materials and club documents directly to you. Those materials are not posted publicly.
Submit the membership application
Tell us about yourself, your aviation experience, and the kind of flying you hope to do with the club.
Complete orientation
Meet us at Shafer Field for an airport walkthrough, club orientation, and an introduction to how the hangars and aircraft are operated.
Review your welcome materials
We privately provide the flight-prep information, aircraft references, operating guidelines, rate information, and club documents you need for onboarding.
Arrange your checkout
Rated pilots complete a checkout with a club-approved independent CFI. Student pilots complete the requirements that apply to their training and medical status.
Complete the aircraft and hangar review
Before the checkout flight, we review preflight procedures, hangar operations, and the club-specific items you need to know.
Receive scheduling access
After the checkout requirements are complete and documented, we activate your AirportSync account so you can schedule eligible club aircraft.
Begin the initial application
Questions before applying? Email info@openhangar.club or message us on Facebook.
Common questions
What to know before joining.
Is this a flight school?
No. Open Hangar Collective provides aircraft access through membership. Members who need instruction can work with a club-authorized independent instructor and arrange payment directly with that instructor.
What does “dry rate” mean?
The hourly aircraft rate does not include fuel. Members are responsible for fuel under the club’s operating and reimbursement procedures.
How are flights scheduled and billed?
Members schedule aircraft through AirportSync. Each month, flight time is totaled by pilot and aircraft, and a statement is sent by email for payment.
What rules apply to members?
All members must follow the club’s standard operating procedures, including checkout, scheduling, flight limitations, member responsibilities, billing, and aircraft care requirements.
Can non-pilots participate?
People who enjoy general aviation but do not plan to fly may ask about Ground Crew membership and ways to support the club community.
Get in touch
Email or Facebook are the best ways to reach us.
Preferred contact
info@openhangar.club
For current updates or a quick message, reach us through the club Facebook page. We generally respond fastest through email or Facebook.
Interested in joining? Start the initial membership application.
Based at IL48 Shafer Field in St. Jacob, Illinois.