to Explorer Post #924 
at  Douglas Aviation, Inc. 
 

Who Are We???
        Aviation Explorer Post 924 is a group of high school students from all over the Memphis area, usually between the ages of 14 - 19, who are interested in the field of aviation in one way or another.  We have a large support group of parents and professionals who are willing to dedicate their time and effort to chaperone and actively participate in many of our scheduled events and activities.
When Do We Meet?
        We meet at Douglas Aviation which is at the Olive Branch airport every Tuesday at 7:00p.m.  The meetings or activities usually last until 9:00p.m. At the end of the school year we vote on whether or not we will continue meeting during the summer vacation.
What Do We Do?
        We do many things over the course of the year.  We usually attend or do some sort or field trip every month.   On the other days we have guest speakers, attend ground school or go flying.  One of the group's goals is to help you get a Private Pilot's Certificate if that is what you would like to do.  We have ground school training at least once a month depending on what kind of activities we have planned for the month.  If a Private Pilot's Certificate is not what you are looking for, we also look at other jobs related to the aviation industry.  For example: We go on field trips dealing with all types of aviation careers.  Some of these include the Memphis International Airport, the FAA Control Tower, Air Route Traffic Control Center, Air National Guard, Federal Express, and the list goes on!

How Much Does It Cost?
        Well it all depends on how far you would like to go.  To join the club there is just a nominal fee of $10.00.  If you would like to get started right away or just want to see what it's like to fly you can take an introductory flight for around $30.00.  For any lessons after that the costs will very with the type of plane and amount of instruction needed.  Most students train in a Cessna 152 which cost around $60.00 an hour of flight time plus $20.00 per hour for the instructor.  But no flying lessons are required to be in the club.  If you do want to be a Private Pilot we offer a very nice book kit that cost about $120.00 but is not required either.  When we do our ground school we use these books.

How Long Is It?
        The membership dues last for 1 year.  The ground school is usually never covered cover to cover but is left up to the student to study on his or her on time as well as with the group.  The more you study the closer you will come to getting your Provate Pilot Certificate.  Let an instructor know that you are studying hard at home and they will help you with any questions you might have.

        In order to get a Private Pilot's Certificate you need a minimum of 40 hours but most students require 50 - 60.  Also, you need to pass the FAA Written Exam.  A FAA Private Pilot's Written Exam passing score is good for two years.  You must also be 16 years old to solo and 17 years old to obtain your certificate.  Once you have your cetificate it is good for the rest of your life!

Why Do This?
        It's the chance of a lifetime!  Who knows maybe you will find flying so enjoyable once you know what flying is all about that you will make it a career or you will satisfy your curiosity that it is something that you don't want to learn, then that's fine too because that's what we are all about -- Exploring!

Where Are We Located?
        Our weekly meetings are hosted by Douglas Aviation, which is located at the Olive Branch Municipal Airport.  The airport is located directly off of Hacks Cross Road. Douglas Aviation, Inc. is a Memphis Corporation and their current business address is:
Douglas Aviation, Inc.
813 Lancelot Lane
Collierville, Tennessee 38017
Phone Number 901-521-1123
*DIRECTIONS*

        From Winchester Road: Turn South onto Hacks Cross Road and continue for about 5 miles.  Turn left onto Airport Road which is located between the Bank of Mississippi and the Chevron gas station.  Follow the road straight ahead, it dead ends into their parking lot.

        If coming from Shelby Drive, Holmes Road, or State Line Road just turn South when you reach Hacks Cross Road and then turn left onto Airport Road.   MAP

Return to Douglas Aviation Page .

 

Visit the Wooddale High School Aviation/ Travel  Page