About Us

Mentor Flyers, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1975. Its bylaws allow for 15 members that form an equity ownership in a Beechcraft Mentor T-34B (N400LL). The Plane is hangared at the DuPage County Airport (KDPA) in West Chicago IL.  All reservations are made through our 24 hour automated answering/internet service. Saturdays from 10 -2 and Sundays from 7:30 - 11:00 are normally reserved for a member qualified for formation flying, (see last page). New members are always welcome as "GIBS" - guy in back seat. Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month. Starting time is 7:00 p.m. at Travel Express Aviation (TEA) located in the old JA hanger at Dupage County Airport (KDPA). Recently, most of our meetings have been virtual and held via the web using Go-To-Meeting.  We encourage you to come to one of our meetings to not only see a great airplane, but to meet some of our members and ask questions.

FAQ's

Q- Do you have a payment plan?
A- No, $11,000 up front and $200/monthly dues

Q- How much flying time do I need to qualify for a share in Mentor Flyers?
A- A minimum of 500 hours with at least 100 in complex aircraft. An Instrument rating is preferred.

Q- What about the current A.D. on the wing spar?
A-  We have installed the new Baron wing spars while the aircraft was in annual. The plane is now restored to it's normal operating limitations. The ALEC cable will be installed within the next year to complete the FAA AMOC.  This still does not address the issue that the T-34B is not certified for aerobatics, however an STC is being worked on and if approved will only be issued to those T-34B models that have the new spar AMOC and not any of the other fixes.

Q- Can this T-34 perform aerobatics?
A- Not under the current A.D.

Q- Can I get an orientation flight in the aircraft?
A- Yes. You can either book the plane through TEA with an instructor (your cost) or if a member is selling his share a flight can be arranged with the seller. Email or call one of the highlighted members on the attached list to schedule a convenient time for an orientation flight or contact John Rippinger

Phone: 847-598-0001
Fax: 847-605-1228
Email: ripper@limalima.com