Frequently asked questions.

Plan for a maximum of 30 pounds per pilot in a compact, soft-sided bag. Final baggage approval always depends on the aircraft's weight-and-balance calculation, fuel load, route, and occupants. Hard-sided or oversized luggage may not fit in the Champ.

No. GLAA uses transparent dry-rate pricing, so fuel is not included. You purchase the fuel actually used during your flight block at the local pump price. We do not add a company margin to a bundled wet fuel cost.

The Aeronca Champ dry rate is $110 per hour for 0–25 hours, $100 per hour for 26–50 hours, and $95 per hour for 50 or more hours. Required flight instruction is $50 per hour.

Yes. Flight instruction is required for every flight block. This lets us tailor the experience to your background, keep expectations clear, and make each hour more valuable than simple aircraft rental.

No. Your instruction can be built around your current experience. The tailwheel endorsement is included when you complete 25 or more flight hours. For programs under 25 hours, it is available for an additional $500.

The Aeronca Champ has two tandem seats. Because instruction is required, the pilot and instructor occupy both seats during Champ flight blocks. Passenger options may vary as the GLAA fleet grows.

Bring your pilot certificate, government photo ID, medical certificate or BasicMed documentation when applicable, logbook or digital experience summary, and any documents requested during pre-trip planning. International routes require a valid passport and additional customs documentation.

The route is always secondary to safety. We may adjust airports, departure time, sequence, or the entire flight day based on weather, runway conditions, aircraft status, and instructor judgment. We plan for flexibility because that is part of real cross-country flying.

Trips can include Northern Michigan, Great Lakes coastlines, island routes, grass strips, unfamiliar airports, and custom cross-country destinations. Canada and other international operations depend on the planned route, aircraft, season, documentation, and operational approvals.

When appropriate, scenario-based training can simulate the loss of GPS or moving-map guidance. You may be asked to fall back on available VOR equipment, pilotage, dead reckoning, outside references, and sound cockpit resource management. All exercises remain legal, safe, and instructor-directed.

Bring a headset, charging cables or battery packs, sunglasses, weather-appropriate layers, comfortable footwear, water, and a small snack. Keep everything compact; the Champ rewards thoughtful packing.

Start a conversation with GLAA through Instagram. We will discuss your experience, goals, preferred dates, desired hours, route ideas, instruction needs, and the next available planning steps.