On Mar 17, 3:34*pm, jsbrake wrote:
Forgive my ignorance in this question, but I'm curious...
In the U.S., do the clubs provide instruction for free, or paid? *I
know the commercial operators are paid, but I don't know about the
clubs. *Probably depends on the club, I would guess.
I'm in Canada, where the clubs all teach for free; I'm not sure we
even have commercial operations (the clubs all sell introductory rides
with a day membership).
I'll eventually get some flying done in the States... just have to
convince my wife to let me bring the mistress along... or travel
without her and the kids

There are about 140 clubs and chapters around the US. There may be up
to twenty private clubs also, mostly as ownership syndicates and
possibly with a tow plane here and there. Not all are SSA
affiliated.

It varies whether instructors are paid. A few clubs have paid staff,
others provide instruction using independent contractors (who set
their own rates). Instruction is free in many clubs. A very few
clubs provide no instruction, leaving that and checkouts to commercial
operators. Some cadet and senior member instruction is done within
the Civil Air Patrol. Commercial operators provide instruction,
rentals, and rides (bread and butter for most). There are some ride
only operations in tourist hot spots, which may be seasonal. Some
clubs pack up for 3-4 winter months.

Frank Whiteley