Mission

Our mission at the Santa Barbara Flying Club is to promote general aviation by providing our members access to aircrafts. We prioritize aviation safety, inspire future aviators through community involvement, and foster pilot growth with a diverse fleet. Our club ensures economical access to aircraft through shared ownership costs, while maintaining a social environment for members to share their love of aviation.

With an easy membership process, you'll feel like an owner from the moment you join our vibrant flying community.

Our Activities

Our vision at the Santa Barbara Flying Club is to become the premier hub for general aviation enthusiasts in Santa Barbara County, inspiring a vibrant community united by our shared love for flying.

We strive to offer safe, accessible, and advanced aircraft which empowers our pilots to grow and excel in their skills.

Through innovative programs such as peer-to-peer learning and participation in the FAA Wings Program, we aim to spread aviation knowledge and expertise, ensuring a strong foundation for the future of general aviation.

By actively engaging in local aviation events and fostering collaborative relationships with other aviation groups, we envision a thriving and sustainable future for aviation in our region.

Founded in February 1948, the Santa Barbara Flying Club had a few simple yet ambitious objectives: Promote Interest in Aviation, Develop Skills and Safety, and Cooperate and Grow. Over 70 years later, those foundational goals continue driving our club’s enduring success.

With an easy membership process, you'll feel like an owner from the moment you join our vibrant flying community.

About

Founded in February 1948

Founded in February 1948, the Santa Barbara Flying Club had a few simple yet ambitious objectives: Promote Interest in Aviation, Develop Skills and Safety, and Cooperate and Grow. Over 70 years later, those foundational goals continue driving our club’s enduring success.

Promote Interest in Aviation

Whether you’re a new pilot or a seasoned pro, the Santa Barbara Flying Club ignites aviators’ passion for flight. Our well-equipped fleet offers the perfect aircraft for any mission, reigniting the pure joy of flying with each and every journey.

Imagine the thrill of piloting our spirited Vans RV-9A, a precision-crafted performer that energizes every flight. Or explore new horizons in the roomy Piper Cherokee Six 300, a luxurious cross-country traveler loaded with modern avionics. Fall in love with aviation all over again in the iconic Cessna 172M, an easy-flying favorite upgraded for IFR adventures. And for those craving excitement, the unique Grumman Tiger delivers lively performance and unbeatable visibility from its innovative sliding canopy.

Develop Skills and Safety

Developing proficient pilots has been a Santa Barbara Flying Club hallmark since our inception. Our active community cultivates a supportive environment for pilots of all skill levels to continue building hours and expertise.

Regularly scheduled meetings, conversations over the hangar, and regular club discussions foster ongoing learning. Members frequently share valuable insights, explore advanced topics, and hone real-world decision-making abilities. The club prioritizes ongoing training to ensure skills remain razor-sharp.

Moreover, our aircraft meet the highest standards for safety and are meticulously maintained by certified mechanics. Each plane is enhanced with modern avionics and professional upgrades to boost situational awareness and reliability. From comprehensive safety briefings to detailed aircraft checkout processes, SBFC makes safety a habit, not an objective.

Cooperate and Grow

What began as a grassroots co-op has blossomed into a vibrant, sustained community united by a shared love of aviation. At the Santa Barbara Flying Club’s core is a spirit of cooperation that transcends individual accomplishments.

As a non-profit organization, the club is truly member-owned and operated. An elected board oversees club governance with input from an involved membership base. This cooperative framework ensures sustainable operations and the ability to continually reinvest to provide a first-class experience.

Joining SBFC connects you with a passionate network of local pilots from all backgrounds and skill levels. You’ll find camaraderie and friendships that elevate your participation beyond just renting planes.

For over seven decades, the Santa Barbara Flying Club has welcomed aviators into an energetic community that promotes aviation, develops skills safely, and cooperates to grow. Discover the club that makes flight dreams a reality – get airborne with SBFC today!

Join Our Mailing List

Join Our Mailing List

And stay up-to-date with a group that celebrates the spirit of aviation.

Thank You! You have successfully joined.