More reasons to go.
A local flight. A new destination. A chance to keep learning. Make flying a part of your life.
ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS · EST. 1953
Make room
for the sky.
For the places you haven’t been.
The things you’re ready to learn.
And the people you’ll meet along the way.
A SHARED AIRPLANE. A BIGGER WORLD.Explore the club
In-flight photography © Sean Brink01 / THE BLACKHAWK WAY
A love of flying. A place to belong.Flying is a feeling.
Better when shared.
Some people look up when an airplane passes. We decided to do something about it.
Blackhawk is a member-run, not-for-profit flying club based at Chicago Rockford International Airport. We share an aircraft, the responsibility of caring for it, and a curiosity for what’s beyond the horizon.
Meet your next flying communityShared ownership of the experience.
Members support the aircraft through dues and flying fees, and elect the people who lead the club.
Room to keep growing.
From flight training to recreational flying, our purpose is to build knowledge, skill, and a lasting interest in aviation.
02 / YOUR WINDOW TO WHAT’S NEXT
CESSNA 172M · N9292HA classic.
With new horizons.
Meet the airplane at the heart of Blackhawk.
A four-seat Cessna 172M with IFR capability
and modern Garmin navigation.
01 / READY ON THE RAMP
SPACE TO SHARE4 seats
NAVIGATIONGarmin GNC 355
FLIGHT INSTRUMENTSDual AV-30s
MAKE IT YOUR NEXT FLIGHTGet to know the aircraft
Aircraft details are an introduction to the club. Current aircraft documents and club checkout requirements govern all operations.
03 / A LITTLE CURIOSITY GOES A LONG WAY
Your next chapter starts with a conversation.You bring
the curiosity.
We’ll help you explore what membership could look like. Already flying or just starting to ask questions? Let’s talk about your goals.
Explore membershipShared costs.
Shared responsibility.
A connection that goes beyond the cockpit.
- 01
Say hello.
Tell us about your experience, your questions, and the kind of flying you want to do. Ask about availability and current membership costs.
- 02
Get to know Blackhawk.
Prospective members attend a regular business meeting to meet the club and review their application.
- 03
Take the next step.
Complete the application and work with the club on onboarding, airport badging, and the requirements for flying our aircraft.
View the application
ONE SHARED PASSION. GENERATIONS OF PILOTS.LOOKING FORWARD, SINCE
1953Every flight starts
with a possibility.
Ten Sundstrand employees founded Blackhawk on August 12, 1953. Their first airplane was an Aeronca Chief. Their idea was simple: bring people together to make flying possible.
That spirit is still our compass. Different pilots, new ambitions, and the same reason to look up.
Be part of what comes nextDo I need to be a pilot to get in touch?
No. Encouraging interest in aviation and supporting flight training are part of the club’s purpose. Contact us to discuss your experience and learn how training works within the club.
What does membership cost?
Membership includes an initiation fee, monthly dues, and hourly flying charges. Fuel surcharges can vary. Contact the club for a current breakdown and membership availability.
Where does the club fly from?
We’re based at Chicago Rockford International Airport (KRFD) in Rockford, Illinois. Arrange your first visit with the club so we can help with airport access. Members are required to obtain an airport security badge.
How do members reserve the airplane?
Members use Flight Circle for online scheduling and billing. Open Flight Circle ↗
How is the club run?
Blackhawk is a not-for-profit corporation run by its members, with elected directors and officers. Read the club by-laws ↗
THE SKY IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK.
Your next
great view.
Let’s start with hello. Tell us what brings you here,
and we’ll help you find your next step.