FAQs
Grumpy Wings Flying Club — Frequently Asked Questions
About the Club
Q: What is the Grumpy Wings Flying Club?
A: Grumpy Wings Flying Club is a member-based nonprofit organization dedicated to making flying more accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for pilots of all levels. We provide access to a diverse fleet of well-maintained aircraft ranging from basic trainers to complex, high-performance, and multi-engine airplanes — all based at Gwinnett County Airport (LZU).
Q: Why did you start Grumpy Wings?
A: Our founder, Jenaro Roberts, started Grumpy Wings to give pilots an alternative to traditional flight schools and ownership costs. The club was built for those who want to fly advanced aircraft, build hours, and progress toward airline careers — without draining their wallets or sacrificing flexibility.
Q: How is Grumpy Wings structured?
A: Grumpy Wings Inc. operates as a 501(c)(7) nonprofit social club, which means all revenue goes back into maintaining the fleet, improving facilities, and supporting our members — not into shareholder profits.
Membership & Fees
Q: How do I join the club?
A: You can join by visiting www.GrumpyWings.org and completing the “Become a Grump” membership application. Once approved, you’ll pay a $600 annual membership fee and choose your monthly dues tier based on the aircraft you plan to fly.
Q: What are the membership tiers and monthly dues?
A:
Tier 1 – $60/month: Access to fixed-gear trainer aircraft like the Cessna 150, Piper Archer, and Piper Arrow.
Tier 2 – $180/month: Access to high-performance singles like the Piper Saratoga and Piper Comanche 250.
Tier 3 – $300/month: Access to multi-engine aircraft (Piper Seneca)
Q: Are the hourly rates wet or dry?
A: All hourly rates are wet, meaning fuel is included in your rental cost.
Q: What are the current wet rates?
A:
Fixed Gear (Trainers): $110-$175/hr (varies by aircraft)
High Performance: $275-$350/hr (Varies by aircraft)
Multi-Engine: $650–$675/hr (varies by aircraft)
Q: Can I apply my hours toward a club checkout or rating?
A: Absolutely! All hours flown within the club count toward your checkout requirements or any training program, including your Accelerated Multi Rating.
Aircraft & Operations
Q: What planes are currently in the fleet?
A: Our growing fleet includes a Piper Archer, Piper Arrow, Piper Saratoga, Piper Comanche, Cessna 150, and Piper Seneca — with more aircraft joining soon!
Q: Where is the club based?
A: We operate out of Gwinnett County Airport (KLZU) in Lawrenceville, Georgia. All club operations, training, and maintenance are coordinated from this location.
Q: Who maintains the planes?
A: All aircraft are maintained to FAA standards by certified A&P mechanics. The club also follows strict maintenance schedules and pre-flight inspection policies to ensure safety and reliability.
Q: Are instructors available for training or endorsements?
A: Yes! Grumpy Wings has certified instructors on staff for flight reviews, instrument proficiency checks, high-performance and complex endorsements, and multi-engine training.
Community & Benefits
Q: What makes Grumpy Wings different from a flight school?
A: Unlike a flight school, we’re a community-owned club — you’re not just a student, you’re a member. You can fly for fun, for time-building, or for professional growth, all while being part of a supportive pilot community.
Q: Does the club host events or meetups?
A: Yes! We host monthly safety meetings, weekend fly-outs, BBQs, and community outreach events to keep aviation fun and social.
Q: Are there opportunities for scholarships or youth programs?
A: Absolutely. We are working on launching Grumpy Wings Scholarships to support high school and college students pursuing aviation careers.
🛩️ Accelerated Multi Program — Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Accelerated Multi Program?
A: The Accelerated Multi Program is a 5-day intensive course that helps qualified pilots earn their Multi-Engine Rating quickly and efficiently. Each participant receives 10 hours of flight time, ground instruction, and a checkride at the end of the week.
Q: Which aircraft are used for the program?
A: Training is conducted in the Piper Seneca — a well-maintained, high-quality twin-engine aircraft.
Q: How much does the program cost?
A: The full program cost is $5,000 per pilot, including aircraft time, instruction, and checkride coordination.
Q: How long is the training?
A: The course runs 5 consecutive days, with 2 hours of flight training per day, per student — plus ground and simulator sessions.
Q: Who can enroll?
A: Any pilot with at least a Private Pilot Certificate (Airplane, Single-Engine Land) and a current medical certificate can enroll. An instrument rating is recommended but not required.
Q: How many pilots train at once?
A: Each instructor trains two pilots per session, ensuring personalized instruction while maintaining efficient flight scheduling.
Q: When are classes held?
A: We run four training blocks per day:
6AM–8AM, 9AM–11AM, 2PM-4PM, and 5PM–7PM, five days per week.
Q: Is housing or transportation included?
A: Not at this time, but we can recommend affordable nearby hotels and transportation options for out-of-town students.
Q: Do you guarantee the checkride?
A: We don’t guarantee a pass (since that’s up to the examiner), but we guarantee you’ll be prepared. Our structured syllabus and experienced MEIs ensure you’re ready for success on test day.
Q: Can I train with a partner or friend?
A: Yes! You can enroll as a pair — it’s a great way to share the experience and support each other throughout the week.
Q: Will this help me get to the airlines faster?
A: Definitely. The Accelerated Multi Program is designed for career-focused pilots who need their multi-engine rating to qualify for commercial and airline-level flying opportunities.
Q: How do I sign up?
A: Visit www.GrumpyWings.org and click on the “Accelerated Multi” page to reserve your training slot. Spots fill quickly, so early booking is encouraged.