Located at Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona, VARS is a flying club. Our current aircraft is a four-seat, IFR-equipped 1972 Piper Cherokee 235F.
- The aircraft — 1972 Piper Cherokee 235F, N2653T — four seats, IFR equipped
- Avionics — Garmin GNS 530 WAAS, a new number two comm radio, and a six-cylinder JPI engine monitor
- Hangared — we keep the aircraft in a locked hangar
- Costs — $60 per hour, based on tach time, dry
- Membership — capped at 15 members. We currently have a short wait list, though turnover is limited.
- Meetings — monthly, at the Falcon Field club hangar. Members are expected to attend when possible, and interested pilots are welcome to attend as well.
- Scheduling — an online system with 24-hour access
- Usage — the airplane flies only 70–90 hours per year, so availability is high. Most trips are day trips in Arizona; extended trips are not common.
More photographs of the aircraft and our trips are on the Photographs page.
How we run
We focus on pride of ownership. Our usage rate is based on tach time rather than Hobbs, which encourages flying with less wear on the engine and greater efficiency — lowering the cost for everyone and taking better care of the aircraft.
We stress that we are not an airplane rental organization; that is what FBOs are for. To keep flying costs low, every member is expected to contribute something to the club. What that looks like varies:
- Some members serve on the board
- Some routinely wash the plane and clean the hangar
- Some club CFIs may offer free currency flights
- Some members help with maintenance on the airplane
- Some purchase supplies for the club
Where practical and legal, maintenance is performed by members under the watchful eye of a qualified A&P.
Every member pays the same monthly dues and the same hourly rate. That includes our officers and board members — unlike some clubs in the valley, nobody here gets a free ride.
Giving back
We periodically give back to the community by sponsoring functions that introduce aviation to youngsters, including local Boy and Girl Scout troops and underprivileged children.
Our members fly for:
- Young Eagles
- Angel Flight
- Flights for Life
- Pilots N Paws
- The Navajo Airlift
Where to find us
Falcon Field sits on the north-east side of Mesa. The club hangar is reached through the entry gate; if you are visiting, get in touch first and someone will meet you there.
- Airport — Falcon Field Airport
- Airport data — KFFZ on AirNav
- Listen in — KFFZ tower, live
- Map — entry gate on Google Maps