Single flights and more dual work follow, along with cross-country trips, perhaps to New Bedford. It is up to the student to set his own pace. When he has logged a minimum of 45 hours in the air, he becomes eligible to take the government examination for his Private Pilot's License, which entitles him to carry passengers.

Not Inexpensive

Like other forms of education, learning to fly is not inexpensive. Even though the Club owns one plane and rents its other at low rates, the expenses--of frequent mechanical check-ups, of hanger space and steep insurance rates--add up. The yearly Club membership fee is $45. Each hour in the air costs $7 in the Cessna 120, and $9.50 in the Luscombe 8F. Since all members are expected to fly a minimum of one hour per month during the seven hour per month during the seven month school year, the minimum annual cost of belonging totals almost $100. Flying additional hours adds to the cost, of course, but, because of the fixed membership fee, make each hour flown less expensive.

Although one member, George F. Baker '61, holds an Instructor's License, and gives as much free help as possible to new members, a professional instructor must be hired for the rest of the time. The standard fee is $5 for each hour in the air.

Pleasure and Utility

In view of the not insignificant money and time involved, says D'Costa, the question is: "why fly?" First, it's fun. Though members may find it difficult to articulate their enthusiasm, a Club bulletin spoke touchingly of "deep spiritual satisfactions." Second, knowing how to fly can be a valuable skill--professionally, perhaps, and certainly as a hobby.

Good Safety Record

In addition to questions of time and finance, some students have asked about the safety of a light plane. "Flying yourself," answers D'Costa, "is certainly far safer than driving in Boston or taking a nocturnal walk beside the Charles." The Club's safety record has been excellent: a professional company, East Coast Aviation, regularly services the plane; no one is allowed to take off unless weather conditions are judged safe, usually "C.A.V.U." (ceiling and visibility unlimited); and a member may solo only after both his instructor and the club officers are sure of his ability to cope with whatever situations might arise.

Aviation Foundaiton

The Club could not exist as a well equipped and active group were it not for a group of University graduates who form the Harvard Aviation Foundation, an advisory board for the club. It is the Foundation, not the Club, which actually holds ownership of the new Luscombe 8F; and the advice of Foundation members, many of whom are prominent in aviation circles, guides Club policies.

As a service to the University community, the Club last spring offered a charter flight service on an informal non-profit basis. The pilot and his passengers divided costs, giving passenger an inexpensive trip, and the pilot more hours logged toward his commercial rating. Although requests were heavy, only a half dozen flights could be arranged, because of flying conditions and scheduling problems. This year, charter flights will be dropped, except, perhaps, on an informal basis.

But the central activity--"furnishing Harvard men with an opportunity to fly themselves"--continues, and any student who wants to become a pilot, whether or not he has ever been off the ground, is welcome in the Club. It is not a sport for the indolent, but to those who are serius, flying offers real satisfactions.