Flying clubs make aviation affordable because they split aircraft expenses among their members. At the same time they limit the size of their membership so members don’t have to schedule their use of the club airplane months in advance.

Winnebago Flying Club, which has called Wittman Regional Airport home for roughly three decades, is now accepting new members, says Tim Lemke, president. In its 12 for 2012 membership drive, the club welcomes active and lapsed pilots, and those who want to become pilots.

Four club members are flight instructors, says Lemke, one of the four, and another, Keith Myers, is a designated examiner who gives FAA pilot checkrides. Everyone flies the club’s 150-hp Cessna 172, which is certified for instrument flight and sports a new Garmin 430 GPS navigator and radio.

The Winnebago Flying Club meets monthly, and an educational and/or social activity follows the business meeting. Monthly dues are $30, and there is a $150 membership fee. The club’s 172 goes for $79 an hour wet, meaning gas is included.

A not-for-profit organization, Lemke says the majority of the airplane’s hourly fee pays for gas. A website handles the airplane’s schedule. Given its membership limit, conflicts are few, Lemke says, aside from a few serene summer evenings and weekends. For more information, visit the club website.