Destinations Unlimited.
From SRQ Airport in Sarasota, FL, a flight in a small aircraft of 4 hours or less can carry you to the foothills of the Appalachians, the historic towns of the Atlantic east coast, or the blue-green waters of the Bahamas. Not to mention the hundred destinations all across Florida.
About Sarasota Seabreeze Flyers Inc. (SSBFI)
Where Are We Located?
SSBFI is based at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). SRQ is a bustling airport on the suncoast of Florida serving the Sarasota and Bradenton metropolitan area. SSBFI keeps a hangar on the airport and all members have security access to come and go to/from the hangar as they please.
When Was SSBFI Formed?
SSBFI was formed in 2004 by a group of pilots that had already been involved in other flying clubs. But, this group wanted to “Fly New, Fly Glass!”, referring to owning a modern aircraft with state of the art avionics. Over the years the club has owned several aircraft, always looking forward to the next one while guaging the utility and economics of upgrading.
What is SSBFI?
SSBFI is a 501(c)7 non-profit social club organized for recreational flying. It is wholy owned by its members. Each member owns an equal share of the equity of the club, including aircraft, bank accounts, tools, and any other assets. SSBFI is non-commercial and acts solely for the benefit of its members. The club is made up of pilots of varying experience, from student pilot to ATP.
Why Join a Flying Club?
Renting an aircraft has its advantages, but it also has a lot of drawbacks. Limited availability, limitations on taking multi-day trips, unfamiliar aircraft, unknown maintenance history, etc. Owning a “share” of an aircraft eliminates most of the limitations of renting, while not incuring the full cost of excusive ownership. As part of a flying club, you can reserve the aircraft for multiple day trips without incurring extra expenses over the engine time you consume. The aircraft availability is much better than a rental as well.
How to Join?
To become a member of SSBFI, there must be a share available at that time. The club currently is structured for 10 members. We keep a list of interested individuals, and when a share becomes available for purchase, we contact those on the list. To discuss membership with someone, click here to contact us.
To read or download our club bylaws, click here.
To be added to the waiting list, please complete the application and email to the membership officer:
Jeffrey Clark (22soccercoach@gmail.com).
Completing the application does not obligate you to joining the club, only to reserve your spot on the waiting list. Review and Download the Application here.
How We Share Costs?
A member joins the club by purchasing an equity share of the club from a current member. Once you are a member, you pay a fixed monthly fee to cover the hangar expenses, scheduled maintenance, etc. Finally, the variable expense is based on how much you fly. The hourly rate is a “wet rate” (including fuel/oil) that goes back to the club to pay for the expenses (fuel/oil) and an escrow amount saving for major expenses like engine overhauls. Rates and expenses are set by the membership based on the current prices for maintenance, hangar, insurance, and fuel/oil.