About Stanford Flying Club

The Stanford Flying Club was founded in 1930 at Stanford University. We operate as an independent non-profit educational corporation. Our facilities are at the Palo Alto Airport (KPAO). The Palo Alto airport is close to Stanford University's campus in Silicon Valley. Since our founding, membership has been open to Stanford students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Today, membership and the opportunity to learn to fly in a collegiate atmosphere are open to the public.

Privileges of Membership

We facilitate access to modern aircraft with up-to-date "glass cockpit" avionics. Rest assured; there are no planes from the 70s or 80s, or that may be older than you are. As a Member, you will also have access to well-qualified, Club-approved instructors and a personalized web-based flight training system, as well as other flight training resources. The Club makes it easy to fly, whether you need a plane, or want to rent out a plane you own. The Club fosters and promotes flight training.

The highest standards of safety

The members of the Club are rightfully proud of our safety record. Our aircraft are kept in top shape.

Excellent Aircraft Availability

Stanford Flying Club strives to maintain an optimal ratio of members per plane. Unlike other clubs that usually maintain an extremely high ratio of members per airplane, Stanford Flying Club offers access to a so-called ‘floating pool’ of airplanes rented out by private aircraft owners: The Club regularly and carefully reviews the types and number of planes presented by or on behalf of their respective owners. When activity slows down, the Club can decrease airplane availability, to keep things more manageable and affordable. When more Members want to fly, the Club may add or open up access to more airplanes. Members have excellent plane availability, at a reasonable cost, on an as-needed basis. The Club offers a membership-based platform, where members can offer and reserve access to airplanes 24/7 using the Internet and wireless technology.