Let Your Dreams Take Flight

Association Information

What is BEFA?

BEFA_flyer_02-2012.pdf 2.5MB

The Boeing Employees Flying Association (BEFA) is a non-profit organization affiliated with the Boeing Recreation Council. BEFA exists for the purpose of allowing eligible persons to have the use of small aircraft for personal flying or to learn to fly. The association has a large fleet of small aircraft available to its members at per-hour costs that are the lowest in the Puget Sound area. We have a large staff of flight instructors, most of whom are Boeing employees themselves.

What does it take to be a member of BEFA?

Membership in the Boeing Employees Flying Association as "Participating Member" is open to:

  • All current Boeing Employees and retirees,
  • Customer, Vendor and Government representatives stationed at Boeing who hold a Boeing identification badge, and
  • Certificated Flight Instructors approved by the Board of Trustees to instruct at BEFA
  • Any other individuals interested in joining the Association

Participating Members own an interest in BEFA property holdings through a share purchase. There are six different categories of membership, each with its own privileges and limitations:

  1. PARTICIPATING MEMBERS
  2. FAMILY MEMBERS
  3. AFFILIATE MEMBERS
  4. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
  5. GUEST MEMBERS
  6. SERVICE MEMBERS

Each category provides a different set of membership options. For example, Guest Membership is open to non-dependent children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents and siblings of individuals who qualify as participating membership and spouses of children of those qualifying for participating membership. See page 1 of the bylaws for details.

How do I join BEFA?

Do I need to purchase a share in BEFA? How much are they?

Regular members are required to purchase a Share in the association. This provides both partial ownership of the association and voting rights. The shares are available in three classes and have differing prices:

  • Class I: Student pilot: $550.00 C-150/C-172 or equivalent
  • Class II: Rated Pilot: $650.00 all except Cirrus, Float, Complex/High performance privilege
  • Class III: Unrestricted: $750.00 all airplanes A minimum down payment is required as defined in the Procedures Manual and Rules of

Operation sections 2.4.1, 2.4.2, and 2.4.3. Minimum payments of $50.00 per month shall be made on the unpaid balance. Shares are non-refundable and non-transferable. A member may upgrade a share to a higher class at any time by paying the difference in share price.

What are the dues for BEFA?

In addition to purchasing a share, members must pay monthly dues for the operation of the association and to cover the insurance costs of flying, which is an actual "owners" policy, not just a "renters" type policy. In addition, this fee covers the various business taxes, facility operation/upkeep, and required support costs and miscellaneous charges associated with operating BEFA. These dues are in addition to any flying fees. Dues are currently $100/month. This amount gives you continued ???active??? membership in the association with the flying privileges.

Can I take a Leave Of Absence?

Yes, you can, but with considerations. Members who will not be flying for an extended period, such as several months, for certain valid and verified reasons outlined in BEFA Rules of Operation Section 4.1 may apply for Leave-Of-Absence (LOA) status. If LOA status is approved by the Board of Trustees for any reason other than those listed in Section 4.1, the minimum period of LOA is 12 months, there is no maximum. During LOA, flight insurance, flying and scheduling privileges are suspended, but use of and participation and access of ground facilities, Pilots Club Lounge, events and the BEFA Flight Simulator are still allowed. The LOA status reduces dues & insurance to $20.00 per month.

Return to "active" flying status from LOA requires the member to send a written request to the BEFA Board of Trustees. The BEFA Board of Trustees must approve the member's request to return to "active status" before the status is changed. Members should turn in their written request a few weeks before the intended return date. If the period of LOA is less than 12 months, and the Board finds the request not consistent with reasons outlined in Section 4.1 of the Rules of Operation, full back dues for the time on LOA would need to be paid before release to "Active" status.