Member first,

Member-focused.

always.

The Aviator Collective is a true community of pilots and enthusiasts with a dedication to being ambassadors to aviation.

Long runway at an airport during sunset with cloudy sky and distant horizon. 
The Why

The Aviator Collective Flight Club exists to provide aviators in south houston with access to exceptional aircraft maintained above industry standards, and a culture based around safety, community and real-world flying.

in short: a flight club for pilots who simply want more.

Who This Environment is Built For

Pilots aiming to stay proficient long after checkride.

Recreational Pilots

Whether working on the first or next rating, member pilots can receive instruction from independent, club-approved flight instructors.

Developing Pilots

Aviators and supporters from all walks are encouraged to inquire about the club.

Aviation Enthusiasts

finding the right fit

We believe the best aviation environments are built around shared expectations and values. The Aviator Collective tends to be a strong fit for pilots who are looking for mentorship, a safe and reliable place to fly, and a higher standard of piloting.

Student pilots are encouraged to inquire about Club membership. However, pilots seeking fast-paced or volume-based training may find that a traditional flight school better suits their needs.

Our team aims to be ambassadors to aviation, and is delighted to guide aspiring pilots in the right direction.

Meet the Team

  • Mike and Maryssa with a T6 Texan at Lone Star Flight Museum

    Mike Randall

    PRESIDENT, CHIEF PILOT

    Mike brings a steady, service-driven approach to aviation, shaped by a background that spans military experience, business leadership, and years of hands-on flying.

    As a CFI/CFII and AGI/IGI with multi-engine and single-engine experience, he’s committed to developing capable, confident pilots and maintaining a strong culture of safety. His professional background supports thoughtful decision-making and the long-term vision for the club.

    Above all, Mike is motivated by a genuine desire to help people grow, creating an environment where members feel supported, challenged, and part of something meaningful.

  • Jason and Aiden with N723SS

    Jason Tomlinson

    VICE PRESIDENT, SAFETY OFFICER

    Jason is the owner of a Cessna 182Q and brings a unique, disciplined perspective to aviation through his background in both military and civilian nuclear safety.

    His career has been rooted in precision, risk management, and accountability—principles he carries directly into his approach to flying.

    Jason is committed to safe, thoughtful operations and contributes a strong culture of professionalism and continuous improvement to the aviation community.

  • Kessler family with N75635

    Brian Kessler

    TREASURER

    Brian brings a thoughtful, analytical perspective to the club through his experience as an executive in the technology and AI space, where he has spent years evaluating business units, managing financial performance, and ensuring healthy, sustainable operations.

    His disciplined approach to decision-making translates naturally into aviation, where he has been a pilot for over 30 years.

    Beyond his professional expertise, Brian has a genuine passion for flying and a strong commitment to sharing that experience with his family, reflecting the kind of community, mentorship, and long-term mindset that strengthens the club.

Club Philosophy

  • Once airborne, there is no opportunity to pause or reset. For that reason, safety is foundational to everything we do.

    It begins with our aircraft, which are maintained above FAA minimum standards to ensure reliability and confidence on every flight.

  • True proficiency requires deliberate, ongoing practice. Without structure, even experienced pilots can settle into routine and miss opportunities to grow.

    Our club environment promotes mission-driven, scenario-based flying, reinforced by pre- and post-flight processes that ensure each flight contributes to continued development.

  • Aviation is not meant to be pursued in isolation. We are building a community of aviators who support one another, share experience, and hold each other to a higher standard — both in the air and on the ground.

Get Started

Fleet Philosophy

Our fleet philosophy is grounded in one principle: every aircraft should elevate safety, capability, and confidence for our members. We maintain our aircraft above FAA minimum standards through a proactive approach to inspections and preventative maintenance. Each aircraft is IFR-equipped with modern avionics, ensuring members fly capable, reliable platforms designed for real-world conditions.

As a brand new club, we’ve started with a single aircraft - the tried and true 172N - which, for decades, has proven to be a reliable workhorse serving multiple missions. Our fleet will grow intentionally, adding aircraft that expand capability, support different missions, and meet members where they are in their flying journey.

Small single-engine propeller airplane parked on a tarmac runway during daytime, with a cloudy sky overhead.

N75635 - 1976 CESSNA SKYHAWK 172N

  • Engine: 180 HP Lycoming O-360 (Air Plains Services Conversion)

  • Equipment:

    • Traditional 6-pack

    • IFR-Equipped (GNX 375 Navigator/Transponder)

    • ADSB-In/Out for Traffic Awareness

    • PMA7000M-S Audio Panel, Dual KX-155 NAV/COM Radios

    • EDM800 Engine Monitor

  • Interior & Paint: Fully refreshed October 2025 by Rose-Wood Completions

  • Capacity: 4 Seats, ~850lbs useful load

  • Performance:

    • Cruise Speed: ~115 knots

    • Endurance: 40 gallons @ 8-10 GPH

    • Range: ~450-500 NM

  • Highlights:

    • Excellent Primary Trainer: Stable, forgiving flight characteristics

    • IFR Platform: Suitable for real-world IFR operations and instrument training for developing pilots

    • Cross-Country Ready: Cost-efficient and capable for quick $100 burger flights and regional travel

    • Short-Field Performance: Strong capability for operations into smaller airports

Small white and red plane on airport tarmac with a cloudy sky overhead.
Small Cessna airplane parked on tarmac with red and white exterior, overcast sky in background.
Interior view of a small airplane cockpit with two gray quilted seats, a control panel, and a window showing a grassy field outside.
Interior of a small airplane cockpit showing various gauges, controls, and a dual yoke steering system, with cream-colored cushioned seats and a window.
The cockpit of a small aircraft with various gauges, controls, and a throttle, including a yoke labeled 'Skyhawk II.'
The cockpit dashboard of a small airplane featuring navigation and communication instruments, engine monitors, and various switches and controls.
Interior of a small plane with two white leather seats, a red dashboard with various controls, a microphone, and a flooring with a dark striped carpet.
Interior of a light-colored vehicle with headrests, windows, and ceiling details visible.
A small white airplane with red accents parked on a paved surface at an airfield under a cloudy sky.

In response to overwhelming support and interest in the club, we have expanded into our second aircraft — the 172 Hawk XP II. Once you become proficient in the 172N, the Hawk XP is the perfect next step in your aviation journey.

Small white and brown aircraft with the label 'HAWK XP II' inside a hangar, surrounded by tools and boxes.

N736UT - 1977 CESSNA 172 HAWK XP II

  • Engine: 195 HP Continental IO-360

  • Equipment:

    • Dual Garmin GI-275 (HSI and Artificial Horizon with SVT)

    • Garmin GI-275 engine monitor

    • Garmin GFC 500 autopilot with electric trim

    • Garmin GNS 530W

    • Garmin GTX 345 transponder

  • Capacity: 4 Seats, ~1,000lbs useful load

  • Performance:

    • Cruise Speed: ~130 knots

    • Endurance: 50 gallons @ 9-10 GPH

    • Range: ~600-650 NM

  • Highlights:

    • Excellent Cross-Country Platform: Nimble, fuel-efficient and autopilot-equipped for long flights

    • IFR Platform: Suitable for real-world IFR operations and instrument training for developing pilots

    • Summer Time Climb: Achieve great “hot and high” performance during Texas summers in a familiar airframe

A small single-engine airplane inside a hangar, with a brown and white fuselage, black propeller with white and red stripes, and a high wing design.
A small airplane with a white and brown color scheme parked inside a hangar, with boxes and tools around it.
Small white airplane with brown and red stripe, parked on a concrete surface next to grassy field, with gray cloudy sky overhead.
Small white and brown single-engine propeller airplane parked outside hangar on concrete and grass during daytime.
Small commercial aircraft inside a hangar with tools and boxes on the floor, and partly open hangar doors showing the sky.
Interior of a small aircraft with tan leather seats, a black instrument panel with gauges and controls, and a headset hanging from the co-pilot seat.
Inside view of an aircraft cockpit with various dials, switches, and a control yoke, with outside view of parked aircraft and hangar.
Aircraft cockpit instrument panel with various gauges including altimeter, airspeed indicator, vertical speed indicator, GPS, and fuel remaining display.
The interior of a vintage aircraft with brown leather seats, headrests labeled 'Hawk XP II', beige window frames, and a view of the airport hangar outside through the windows.

FLIGHT SIMULATOR

In partnership with Loggable Time Simulations, TAC Flight Club has welcomed a highly-capable Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) to Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport. The simulator is available to the general public, not exclusively to club members.

Interested pilots and prospective members are encouraged to contact the club or visit LogSimTime.com to learn more and enroll.

A BATD flight simulator with multiple monitors, keyboard, and chair, part of a multi-screen computer workstation setup.

N172AC - REDBIRD TD2 BATD

  • Aircraft: Models the Cessna 172 and 182, with and without retractable gear and constant-speed/variable pitch propeller

  • Equipment:

    • FAA-Approved Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD)

    • Realistic flight controls

    • Analog instrument configuration with 530W and autopilot

    • GPS, VOR, ILS, RNAV (GPS) capability

    • Instructor station for dual-environment training

  • FAA Training Credit:

    • Up to 2.5 hours may be credited toward the aeronautical experience requirements for the Private Pilot Certificate when training with an authorized instructor.

    • Up to 10 hours may be credited toward the aeronautical experience requirements for the Instrument Rating.

    • Eligible for applicable aeronautical experience credit toward the Commercial Pilot Certificate in accordance with FAA regulations.

    • May be used to accomplish portions of instrument proficiency, instrument currency, and other FAA-authorized training when conducted with an appropriately qualified instructor and logged in accordance with the applicable regulations.

  • Highlights:

    • Weather Without Limits: Build proficiency in IFR, low-visibility, and challenging weather scenarios that would be impractical—or unsafe—to recreate in an aircraft.

    • Efficient Instrument Training: Practice approaches, holds, departures, arrivals, missed approaches, and IFR procedures at a fraction of the operating cost of an aircraft.

    • Emergency Scenario Training: Safely experience engine failures, vacuum and electrical failures, avionics malfunctions, and other abnormal situations without risk.

    • Proficiency & Currency: Maintain instrument currency, sharpen procedures, and stay proficient between flights while reducing aircraft operating costs.

    • Checkride Preparation: Ideal for rehearsing ACS scenarios, cockpit flows, checklist discipline, and instrument scan before practical tests.

    • Year-Round Availability: Continue productive training regardless of weather, aircraft maintenance, or daylight limitations.

    • Professional Debriefing: Recorded sessions allow instructors and pilots to review decisions, procedures, and technique for accelerated learning.

membership Questions, answered.

Rates

Membership generally includes an initiation fee, monthly dues, and aircraft hourly rates that are competitive with local market rates. Specific rates vary by aircraft and are reviewed with prospective members during the membership conversation.

Aircraft rates generally range from $145-205/hr dry depending on aircraft.

How do I get started?

Interested in becoming a member? Our team is available to answer your questions and help you determine whether The Aviator Collective is the right fit for your aviation goals.

Membership begins with the completion of a membership application.

Select Become a Member or Membership Application on this webpage to begin.

What makes TAC different?

The Aviator Collective is a true flight club, operating in accordance with FAA guidance and longstanding federal principles governing flying clubs. Our mission is to preserve that model for years to come by providing members with exceptional aircraft, a dynamic and capable fleet, and a welcoming community of pilots who share a passion for aviation.

While many rental organizations focus primarily on utilization and margins, The Aviator Collective is built around a different philosophy: an exceptional member experience, an uncompromising commitment to safety, and a culture of reciprocity that gives back to the broader aviation community.

Fly your next

cross-country with us

Aerial view from a small airplane showing a large lake, surrounding forested land, and a partly cloudy sky.
View from an airplane window showing a wing and landscape of farmland below under a clear blue sky.
Fluffy cloud
View from an airplane window showing the airplane wing over a cloud-covered sky with a blue sky above.
Fluffy cloud
View from an airplane window showing a wing and an expansive sky with clouds below and above.
Fluffy cloud

BASED AT KLBX

 

Strategically Limited membership to ensure aircraft availability

apply today

Membership Inquiry
Membership Application

MORE Questions, Answered.

  • Getting started is simple. Click the “Become a Member” button on this website, fill out the application, and we’ll walk you through the rest.

  • TAC is a member-driven aviation community — not a rental business. We prioritize access, quality aircraft, and a professional culture over volume. Members aren’t customers; they’re part of a well-run, safety-focused flying environment.

  • Both are welcome. TAC supports student pilots, active aviators, and highly experienced pilots alike. We tailor onboarding, standards, and expectations to your experience level while maintaining a consistent safety culture across the club. If you need an instructor to help accomplish your goals, we can connect you with an independent, club-approved resource.

  • Yes. We actively manage fleet-to-member ratios to preserve access. Scheduling policies are designed to prevent abuse (no speculative bookings, no hoarding), and aircraft owner access has defined priority windows without restricting member usability. That’s the whole reason this club exists — to ensure you can fly when you want to.

  • Costs are transparent and structured: a one-time initiation fee, monthly dues, and hourly dry aircraft rates. Our rates are thoughtfully established to sustain the aircraft properly, maintain maintenance reserves for major events and future restoration, and ultimately ensure members benefit from well-maintained, reliable airplanes.

    Since prices fluctuate from time to time and we value accuracy, these FAQs do not contain our up-to-date rates. Just send us a quick note to retrieve our current rates.

  • Both. TAC is designed for real-world use — local flights, training, and multi-day trips. Scheduling rules support fair access while allowing members to use aircraft for meaningful travel.

  • Instruction is allowed with TAC-approved instructors. We maintain a vetted instructor network to ensure consistency, safety, and alignment with club standards.

    If your instructor is not currently a club-approved instructor, they are encouraged to reach out to leadership.

  • Yes — this is a true community. Members are expected to act professionally, care for the aircraft, follow operating rules, and contribute to a positive environment. You never know who might be flying the aircraft after you — a family member or friend of another member who has never experienced aviation, for example. Members are required to maintain club aircraft as if it is their aircraft. Every member represents TAC at the airport and beyond.

  • All aircraft are maintained proactively to above FAA standards under the centralized oversight of our dedicated Maintenance Officer. TAC coordinates with local, FAA-certified maintenance technicians who share our high standards for upkeep and also who have exceptional reputations for good work in the aviation community.

    We do not cut corners or interpret regulations in a way that allows us to skip maintenance and inspections. Our Maintenance Officer tracks compliance and enforces care standards. Records and logbooks for aircraft are available to members at all times to review airworthiness and maintenance history.

    Preventive maintenance is conducted by qualified TAC personnel in accordance with FAA regulations.

  • We plan for it. Preventive maintenance and fleet management reduce surprises, and as the club grows, fleet diversity improves availability. Communication is proactive so members can plan accordingly.

  • TAC supports leaseback aircraft under structured agreements. Owners benefit from shared usage, professional management, and expense reduction, while the club gains high-quality aircraft for members. Aircraft owners are invited to call and learn more.