Interest in the pleasures of flight led a group of individuals to form the Alleghany Flying Club at Mexico Farms Airfield in 1962 (the spelling of Alleghany is correct and is the one used by the club). The common desire of these aviators was to join forces, own an airplane, and make it available to the membership so that the joy of flight could be enjoyed at a reduced rate to all. On March 12 the Alleghany Flying Club was formed and incorporated as a non-profit organization. Charter members of this fledging club were Charles F. Grabenstein, Earl L. Wilson, Ronald G. Eckard, Thomas Herndon, and Carl Winters.
The first aircraft owned by the new organization was a 1946 Aeronca Champion 7AC, with a 65 horsepower engine, valued at $1,000. Over the years the membership has increased and other aircraft have been used in their operations, with the overriding goal of providing the membership the opportunity for safe flight. In 1964 the club moved its operations to the Cumberland Regional Airport where it continues its active operations.
This 1964 photo depicts the first aircraft, an Aeronca Champion on the left, owned by the Alleghany Flying Club, along with a Cessna 170. Left to right: Charles Grabenstein, Earl M. Wilson, and Tom Herndon. Not shown was Carl Winters, who along with Herndon, Wilson, and Grabenstein were the original founding members of the club.
In the three and one-half decades the club has existed over 200 individuals have learned the rudiments of flight, while at the same time many already qualified pilots have maintained membership and active participation in the clubs operations. The flying club carries out the Federal Aviation Administration requirements for a private pilot license. Students need to pass an FAA written examination and accumulate a minimum of forty hours of flying time before taking a flight test with an FAA examiner.
The Alleghany Flying Club currently has a fleet of the following aircraft:
1980 Piper Archer II
1978 Cessna Skyhawk II 172
1978 Cessna 152
The Alleghany Flying Club’s Piper Archer, Cessna 152, and Cessna 172 Skyhawk.
The Piper Archer and the Cessna 172 are fully certified instrument capable aircraft and are used for training for advanced instrument ratings. The Cessna 152 is used for primary training of new pilots. All aircraft are fully insured and are currently valued at over $130,000.
The club currently has forty-five active members, which includes pilots that have been flying for over five decades and some that are just beginning their aviation interests. Emphasizing safety, well qualified flight instructors within the club have guided many to their private pilot’s certificate, with others going on to higher ratings, some moving on to professional aviation careers.
The Alleghany Flying Club continues as a viable organization, serving the desires of a multitude of aeronautical oriented folks. The club offers relatively low cost flying opportunities to those interested in flight and who do not desire to own their own aircraft. Membership is open to all who possess the desire to break the bonds of earth and soar with the eagles.
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Wings Over Cumberland 