Why fly TEFC?
With the cost of fuel going up, many FBOs are forced to increase their rental rates and appending a "fuel surcharge" to your final flying bill. As a member of TEFC, you fly highly maintained airplanes at very competitive rates. But don't take our word for it. We encourage you to do your own investigation. We are confident that you will reach the same conclusion as us: TEFC is the most affordable way to fly!1
A little background...
Recently (November 2007) two TEFC members ventured to Kobelt Airport (N45) with the club's Piper Archer III. The total flight time for this trip was 2.0 on the Hobbs meter and 1.8 on the tachometer. Members benefit immediately because TEFC bills out the Archer based on tachometer time, not Hobbs time (what FBOs base their rates on)!
Cost Analysis
This analysis is based on an actual flight. The duration of flight was 2.0 hours. On this flight, the tachometer recorded 1.8 hours. This is a typical split you can expect on any average flight.
| Operator2: | TEFC | FBO #1 | FBO #2 | FBO #3 |
| Equipment: | Piper Archer III | Piper Archer II | Cessna 172P | Diamond Star |
| Vintage: | 2000 | 1983 | 1984 | 2005 |
| Base Rate Per Hour: | $60 | $140 | $122 | $159 |
| Aircraft Rental: | 1.8 x $60 = $108 | 2.0 x $140 = $280 | 2.0 x $122 = $244 | 2.0 x $159 = $318 |
| Fuel Surcharge3: | None | None | 2 x $11.00 = $22 | 2 x $20.00 = $40 |
| Fuel ($6.82/Gallon): | $94.80 | Included | Included | Included |
| Tax (8.625%): | $0.00 | $24.15 | $22.94 | $30.88 |
| Landing Fee: | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| Total: | $205.30 | $306.65 | $291.44 | $391.38 |
| Cost Above TEFC: | ---- | $101.35 | $86.14 | $186.08 |
| Operator2: | TEFC | Flying Club #1 | Flying Club #2 | Flying Club #3 |
| Equipment: | Piper Archer III | Cessna 172N | Aircraft | Aircraft |
| Vintage: | 2000 | 1978 | XXXX | XXXX |
| Base Rate Per Hour: | $60 | $109 | $0 | $0 |
| Aircraft Rental: | 1.8 x $60 = $108 | 22.0 x $140 = $218 | 2.0 x $0 = $0 | 2.0 x $0 = $0 |
| Fuel ($6.82/Gallon): | $94.80 | Included | Included | Included |
| Tax (8.625%): | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Landing Fee: | $2.50 | $0.00 | $2.$0.00 | $0.00 |
| Total: | $205.30 | $218.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Cost Above TEFC: | ---- | $12.70 | $-.-- | $-.-- |
Updated: 29 July 2008
Conclusion
In this time of expensive fuel prices, having the ability to control your fuel burn rate and paying for exactly how much fuel you use on each flight is a tremendous advantage over other operators. In addition, many operators have strict rules and requirements for taking their airplanes on extended stays. With TEFC, it is entirely possible for you to fly to and actually spend time enjoying yourself at your destination! Ask your operator about their policy on extended stay flights and you will quickly see that TEFC is the better option.
We welcome you to inquire into our flying club and apply to become a member.
1 Cost comparison based on standard rental rates. No block hour purchase
rates were used. TEFC cost comparison does not reflect a one time membership fee
and monthly dues.
2 Operators used in the analysis are based on two actual FBOs operating
at Republic Airport.
3 Fuel surcharge used in this example may not reflect actual fuel surcharge
as they may vary from day to day.