The Wichita Aero Club has introduced a new Gold Wings member benefit program that “literally puts the air in the Aero Club,” according to the organization’s president, Dave Franson, thanks to an ongoing agreement with the Air Capital Aviators Flying Club.

The program also includes discounts at a dozen local businesses including hotels, fine restaurants, Tornado Transit and even a local shooting range and training facility, Thunderbird Firearms Academy. “We are constantly looking for ways to enhance the membership experience for our individual Wichita Aero Club members and provide our corporate members with benefits that can be passed on to their employees. Without question, the most obvious one, since the Aero Club was founded in 2008, has been the access to a fleet of affordable rental aircraft, flight training and a well-structured organization that maintains and administers it.

The Air Capital Aviators, who were the former Boeing Flying Club, meet those criteria. We’re extremely pleased to have negotiated an agreement with them which makes Wichita Aero Club individual members and employees of corporate members, eligible to join their organization. And, we’re even more pleased to announce that WAC members will receive a $100 discount on the normal $300 initiation fee from now through January 31st, 2017.”

“The Air Capital Aviators Club is excited to partner with the Wichita Aero Club in launching the Gold Wings program.  Both organizations have a common goal of strengthening the Wichita aviation community, now this includes an affordable option for aspiring or current WAC pilots to take to the air,” stated Chad Raney, Vice President of the Air Capital Aviators Club. “Both organizations are focused on aviation and support the core industry of the World’s Air Capital, so it’s a natural fit. Local aviation businesses gain an opportunity for an unlimited number of members in their organization to participate. An ACAC flying club membership is a great way to increase employee engagement, retention, awareness of aviation, and a wonderful recruiting tool, too.” The Air Capital Aviators currently operate two Cessna Model 172 Skyhawks and a retractable gear Model 182 Skylane RG. They plan to hold an Open House in the near future to provide WAC members with an opportunity to see the aircraft.
In addition to the flight related member benefits, the Aero Club also announced that members would receive the following discounted rates under the Gold Wings Program by showing their membership cards at:

The Hotel at Old Town: Special WAC pricing

The Hotel at WaterWalk: Special WAC pricing

WaterWalk Hotel Apartments: Special WAC pricing

Stearman Grill at Benton Airport: 10% off

Hangar One Steakhouse: 10% off

Hereford House: 20% off

Scotch & Sirloin: 20% off

Larkspur: 20% off

Ya Ya’s Euro Bistro: 20% off

Thunderbird Firearms Academy: Discount on Annual Membership

Tad’s Locker Room: 20% off

Tornado Transit: 20% off Services and Access to

Business packages

“Not all of our members are pilots or aspire to be,” Franson noted. “But all of us patronize restaurants, travel occasionally or host out-of town guests who need a place to stay or help with local transportation. We’ve addressed those opportunities with some of our community’s most attractive venues and we’ve even thrown in a couple of very popular providers of entertainment and avocations. We hope that our members think the events, speakers and mission of the Aero Club make their annual dues a worthwhile investment. Adding some perks to their contribution is our way of saying ‘thank you for their continued support,” Franson concluded.

Established in 2008 to foster and promote interest in aviation and provide a forum focused on the industry’s issues and achievements, the Wichita Aero Club brings those with a passion for flight together in an environment that expands and enhances professional relationships and furthers cooperation and understanding.

The Club has hosted prominent aerospace business and government leaders, elected officials, and presents an annual Wichita Aero Club Trophy to an organization or individual who has earned distinction during the year or over an extended period for contributions to the industry. It has also established the Edward W. Stimpson and H. Dean Humphrey Scholarships, which it presents annually to college, university or technical school students who have already established a major or vocational track leading to a career at an aviation company or in an aerospace-related field. Students must also have a logical connection to Wichita or Kansas either through family, educational, or professional ties in order to qualify for the awards.