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Crew car

Free transportation waits for you

A little-known facet of the general aviation life—and one that enriches GA across the country—is the courtesy car or crew car.
Photo by David Tulis
Zoomed image
Photo by David Tulis

It’s usually a beater, or an old Crown Vic former police car, or someone’s ancient pickup, but it’s free transportation that is offered as a good neighbor policy—just fill it up with gas when you bring it back. We have even heard of brand-new, high-end luxury cars at some airports, too. Rumor is there’s a slick Jaguar on some quiet field out West. The courtesy car is usually just for use for a short period of time and sometimes the keys are simply under the mat—take the car to town for lunch and bring it back.

To be a good steward of GA and to exercise the privilege of using a courtesy car, you should observe these courtesies: Do not bring the car back on empty; do not leave trash, notes, or food in the car; don’t take the car for more than five to six hours; and do not get upset when the car is not available.

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Julie Walker
Julie Summers Walker
AOPA Senior Features Editor
AOPA Senior Features Editor Julie Summers Walker joined AOPA in 1998. She is a student pilot still working toward her solo.

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