YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --
Have you ever wanted to fly a plane? The Yokota Aero Club and Flight Training Center offers community members an opportunity to make that dream come true.
The aero club is run by the 374th Force Support Squadron and offers a number of services, including scenic tours and pilot training to military personnel, dependents and anyone with Status of Forces Agreement.
"The facilities are fantastic," said Lt. Col. Andrew Campbell, 36th Airlift Squadron commander, who is currently receiving lessons for his private pilot's license with the aero club. "It's one of the best aero clubs in the Air Force. They're very professional, they have great equipment and they run an outstanding program."
Aside from training, customers can get an hour-long, sweeping view of Tokyo from above on a scenic flyover tour. One can enjoy an aerial perspective of Shinjuku, the Imperial Palace, the Tokyo Sky Tree and more.
Flights are booked at a flat hourly rate. For those who don't want to fly but would like a realistic flying experience, the Redbird flight simulator is available for hourly rental. These services are also open to any escorted visitors.
There are many reasons to fly. For Campbell, that reason is to take his son flying with him, which he can't do as a C-130 Hercules pilot. He recently spent a late afternoon working on his flying hours, flying circles around the flight line and performing countless touch-and-goes..
"The instruction I've received has been exceptionally professional," Campbell said. "Hara oversaw every step of the process, constantly ready to provide me with guidance and directions on performing different techniques."
The Yokota Aero Club offers a single-engine pilot's license. To earn it, the first step is to become a member. The club assigns each student an instructor who works with them one-on-one for the duration of their training.
It takes between six to 12 months for students to get their license. Students must complete a minimum of 40 flight hours, 10 of which must be solo. It takes between 10 and 15 flight hours for a student to be ready for their first solo flight.
Safety is also a priority at the Yokota Aero Club. For 2014 and 2015, the club was one of four aero clubs in the Air Force selected to receive the Air Force Aero Club Safety Certificate. They have also received multiple commendations for safety, maintenance and customer service.
Tech Sgt. David Thompson, 36th Airlift Squadron flight safety NCO, has nearly completed his pilot training. He praised the Yokota Aero Club for its thorough aircraft maintenance as well as the sophisticated equipment.
"The price is right not only compared to other Aero Clubs but also for the planes they have," Thompson said. "They're equipped with storm scopes, traffic collision avoidance, all liquid crystal display avionics and digital gauges. I really only have good things to say about this Aero Club."
Quarterly, the Yokota Aero Club holds Private Pilot Ground School classes. If anyone is interested in pursuing a license, the Flight Training Center also offers test flights to help make that decision. In addition, for those living further away, the center can arrange to operate at Atsugi on weekends. Other services they offer are instrument reading certification and free Federal Aviation Administration and Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technical Certification Council testing. A list of eligible groups as well as membership dues and pricing for all services can be found on the Yokota Aero Club website at http://www.yokotasupport.com/aero-club/.
The Yokota Aero Club office is located in building 4304, inside the Ashiya Temporary Lodging Facility tower. Their hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members can coordinate to fly outside these hours.