Mentone Flying Club Still Going Strong After Sixty Years
MENTONE — The Mentone Flying Club was started sixty years ago by Dale Sinclair, Allen “Chick” Herendeen and Dr. Dan Urshel. The club began with nine members. Over the years, the club has grown, having up to 100 members at one time.
The Mentone Flying Club moved its headquarters to the Fulton County Airport in 1981 due to the closing of the Mentone Airport. In 1987 the club purchased a hangar. A second hangar was purchased in 1998. The club presently owns two Cessna 172 Skyhawks and a Piper Cherokee 180.
For the past several years, the club has offered a free ground school course, generally during the winter months. The current ground school course started January 17 and will run for 12 weeks.
The ground school is designed for people who want to find out more about flying and gauge their interest to see if it may be something they would like to pursue as well as for people who already have flying experience and just want to brush up on their knowledge. Classes meet weekly at the Rochester airport terminal building.
The course provides basic aircraft and weather information, as well as addressing aerodynamics, how to plan a flight and weight and balance limits. Kevin Morrison, club treasurer, reports that approximately 10-15 people are generally enrolled in the ground school classes.
The success of the club is credited to good rules and regulations. The club is a non-profit organization that follows by-laws which have been established by club members.
There are currently approximately 70 club members, ranging from high school students to retired or active military pilots. Club members meet monthly for meetings as well as having periodic family outings and flight competitions.