HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The Hanscom Aero Club continues to build partnerships that align with Department of Defense priorities by supporting planning, education, and readiness efforts.
Recent partnerships include work with the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, Civil Air Patrol, and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.
“Community partnerships play a big role in the operation,” said Marc Vaillancourt, Hanscom Aero Club manager. “We don’t receive appropriated funds. We have to maintain self-sufficiency.”
As a non-appropriated fund activity, the club operates with a business model aimed at generating profit to provide services and benefits to eligible members of the Hanscom AFB community.
Revenue supports maintenance of the club’s fleet, which includes Piper Warriors and Piper Arrows, and ensures equipment remain updated and operational.
The community partnerships the team has cultivated go beyond the typical customer-service relationships. These collaborations support larger DoD goals through cross-functional teaming and resource efficiency.
The club has assisted in training exercises with NORAD, supported educational development with the Sea Cadets, and even official Air Force travel under specific circumstances.
“It’s cheaper for the government in the long run,” said Vaillancourt. “It’s a cost savings and a man-hour savings.”
Vaillancourt added that club resources can also assist with emergency operations, including wildfire responses and angel flights.
“These community partnerships enable the Aero Club to showcase different avenues to pursue higher ratings with respect to flying,” said Paul Hartigan, chief of the 66th Force Support Squadron Community Services Flight.
He added the aero club has evolved, investing in fleet upgrades, adding the flight simulator, and increasing ground school offerings by 20% over the past 10 years.
Hartigan hopes the team can maintain momentum by expanding membership benefits and working with the Air Force Services Center to add newer airframes.
To learn more about the Hanscom Aero Club, visit the 66th Force Support Squadron website here Aero Club | Hanscom AFB.