Flight Insurance

The Harvard Flying Club can now provide full flight training for a pilot's license following its recent purchase of flight instruction insurance, the college decided recently.

The group was granted club status last April by Dean of Students, Archie C. Epps III, but only as a social organization to offer ground school. The club could not provide its members with flight instruction, because it did not have insurance for possible injuries or accidents.

"It was a legal obstacle more than anything else," Clifford T. Russell '85, Chief Club Pilot said.

An instructor in Business Administration, Edmund M. Goodhue '68, helped the club obtain the necessary insurance. Epps gave the club full status as a flight instructor during January, after Harvard lawyers decided that the club's insurance was sufficient.

The Flying Club already has 69 members on its mailing list with 19 graduated from ground school. Russell is now working with several students who must complete their required 40 hours of flight instruction.

"Cliff's a very reliable instructor," said Timothy P. Davenport '84, who is currently training. "He definitely has the right stuff."

The Flying Club offers its members discount rates in ground school, flight training and plane rental. It also helps to acquaint licensed pilots with navigation techniques for the New England area.

One might pay $150 to $250 for ground school training at an airfield, but the flying Club has already offered two schools for $45 and are thinking about holding another one after spring break.

Russell and Janei F. Avargo '85 formed the club during their freshman year, after going for a day of flying together at Harvard Airfield.