Lake Missoula Flight Club Joins AOPA Network
The local nonprofit aviation group has become the 300th club to partner with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Air Travel
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The Lake Missoula Flight Club at Missoula Montana Airport has officially joined the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association as its 300th affiliated club. This nonprofit social group provides a dedicated space for local aviators to maintain their skills.
Why it matters
The affiliation supports the club's mission to foster a general aviation community in Montana. It helps local pilots continue flying through shared access to resources and a supportive network.
The Missoula club manages a fleet of five aircraft and counts 30 members ranging from 22 to 75 years old. This membership represents a fraction of the 300 clubs established across 45 states since 2015.
The players
Lake Missoula Flight Club
This is a nonprofit social club based in Montana that facilitates shared aviation resources for local pilots.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
This is a prominent advocacy and membership organization that supports the general aviation community through various initiatives.
Joe Featherly
He is one of the founding members who organized the group after five years of discussions.
James Wasem
He is a founding member who helped establish the local flying community.
The details
Founded by Joe Featherly and James Wasem after five years of local planning, the club operates out of the Missoula Montana Airport. The organization maintains two Cessna 150s, a Grumman AA-1C Lynx, a Piper Tri-Pacer, and a Cessna 182 to serve its diverse membership.
Timeline
The AOPA Flying Clubs Initiative launched in 2015.
The Lake Missoula Flight Club began accepting members in August 2025.
AOPA representatives recognized the 300th milestone on October 8, 2026.
Travel Outlook
The AOPA Flying Clubs Initiative provides the framework for small regional aviation groups to scale their operations and gain legitimacy. This recognition highlights the ongoing national effort to maintain local general aviation hubs despite rising operational costs.
Local pilots interested in flying can apply for membership to access the club's shared fleet of five aircraft. Prospective members should note the club's nonprofit status and its focus on creating a consistent community for regional aviators.
The takeaway
Joining a flight club remains a practical method for pilots to reduce the high costs associated with private aircraft ownership. By sharing access to planes, members can keep their skills current while participating in a collaborative, localized aviation culture.
Further reading
For more information on the regional aviation industry, visit the Air Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AVweb.
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