Aero Club members, with the support of U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Centerville, were granted a hearing on April 2 by Gladney to present their case that the flying club could be operated profitably. Club members said the organization posted a $41,000 profit in 2011 and lost a total of $88,000 from 2007 to 2011, compared with the contention of Gladney and other base leaders that it had lost $229,000 during the past four years.
Club members had complained to Turner that base leaders hadn’t previously given the club adequate opportunity to make its case for being allowed to continue.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision, but unfortunately we cannot envision a business plan that would result in a profitable Aero Club at Wright-Patterson,” Gladney said in a statement issued by the base. “In this time of very limited resources, we can no longer afford to maintain an unprofitable activity, no matter how desirable.”
Gladney leads the 88th Air Base Wing, which operates Wright-Patterson for the Air Force. Base officials delayed the public announcement of the closure until Friday night, after they had notified local members of Congress of the decision.
Air Force aero clubs serve military, former military and civilian base employees by providing them with club-owned planes for flying lessons or flying time.
Aero clubs and other facilities that are considered base recreational operations, such as Wright-Patterson’s golf courses, gymnasiums, officers’ club and bowling alleys, do not use tax dollars, so Congress does not exercise direct authority over them.
The Aero Club’s planes are to be offered for sale to aero clubs at other Air Force bases, or for sale on the open market if other aero clubs aren’t interested, base officials have said.
Turner, siding with Wright-Patterson Aero Club members, noted in March that he knew of no plans by the Air Force to close aero clubs across its system.
Wright-Patterson officials have said the club’s planes and buildings need costly maintenance. Air Force commanders have been looking to cut costs at a time when the Defense Department is under pressure to cut non-critical spending, and base officials have been looking for ways to cut services that can be obtained off-base.
Wright-Patterson officials said Friday, however, that they have no plans to close any other base services facilities.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2242 or jnolan@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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