Base Aero Club now open to the public Published May 16, 2014 By Brian Shreve Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Ever have a dream where you were flying? Now, that dream has more of a chance of becoming a reality for Middle Georgia residents than before thanks to a partnership between the Robins Aero Club and the local community. Anyone wishing to obtain a private pilot's license may do so at the club, an opportunity previously limited to active duty personnel and Department of Defense civilians. "We were trying to come up with ways to work with off-base entities to offer the community a combined experience of what we offer here," said Kent Jenkins, 78th Force Support Squadron Community Flight chief. "One of our initiatives was to get our Aero Club open to the public since there aren't a tremendous amount of these services available to the Macon-Warner Robins population." Jenkins first briefed the Warner Robins mayor's council on the idea last December, a notion he said was met with unanimous approval; additional support followed from the chambers of commerce of both Macon and Warner Robins. A waiver request was later sent to Air Force headquarters in Washington for permission to allow non-DOD civilians to use the club. "I would have to think there are people who are interested in learning to fly and having the ability to come on base to learn from military pilots," said Jenkins. After signing up, the path toward becoming a licensed pilot would begin with classroom training taught by Federal Aviation Agency-approved instructors held every Monday and Wednesday evening for eight weeks. From there, potential pilots would fly the required amount of hours with instructors and pass the FAA exam before their first solo flight. "And then off you go," said Jenkins. "Then you can come in and fly here any time you want." Club members have to pass necessary background checks through security forces and provide additional levels of insurance required to fly. Jenkins added that the Robins Aero Club gives residents the opportunity to receive a level of flight training unmatched by commercial organizations. "There are different levels of flight training," he said. "This is overseen by the FAA and is very rigid and structured." The club's initiative represents another avenue for providing increased services at a time of Air Force-wide budget cuts. "This gives us access to an additional 120 thousand people or so," he said. "Now that this opportunity exists, we need to get the word out and, hopefully people will come and take advantage of it." Those interested may call 478-926-4867.