Michiana Air Activities Operations

MAA exists to provide safe, affordable aircraft to members while supporting a social environment around flying—and consistent operations are how we protect both. The Policies & Procedures Manual is the day-to-day playbook for flying, scheduling, fueling, postflight, hangars, and handling issues, and it’s intended to be a living document that evolves as the club and fleet evolve.

The By-Laws define how the nonprofit is governed and how decisions are made, and they override other documents if there’s ever a conflict.

Operations

The fundamentals: safety, responsibility, and standards

MAA policies are designed to support safe operations without ever replacing the Pilot in Command’s authority and responsibility.  Members are expected to be legal, current, and proficient for the intended flight, and to thoroughly preflight and postflight every time.  The club also emphasizes a simple “golden rule” approach: leave the aircraft airworthy, clean, fueled, and ready for the next member’s mission.

MAA Club Meeting

Governance, volunteer roles, and how decisions get made

MAA is an Indiana not-for-profit corporation, with club affairs and property managed by a Board of Directors.  The By-Laws also define committees (including an Executive Committee) and officer roles such as Maintenance Officer and Safety Officer, reinforcing that operations and safety are built into how the club is run.  Because MAA is member-driven, pilots can be as involved as they want—supporting committees, volunteering, or serving in leadership—so the club stays strong and member-focused.

Scheduling and using club aircraft

Operations run smoothly when everyone follows the same basics: schedule properly, preflight carefully, fly responsibly, refuel as required, and complete a clean handoff after the flight. The Policies & Procedures Manual includes specific guidance for scheduling, cross-country/multi-day use, and postflight expectations so the next pilot doesn’t inherit surprises. approach: leave the aircraft airworthy, clean, fueled, and ready for the next member’s mission.  If you’re ever unsure about the “right way” to do something in the system, the manual is the first stop—and when in doubt, communicate early so plans stay predictable for everyone.

Squawks, maintenance, and keeping the fleet airworthy

MAA relies on members to report discrepancies and to ground an aircraft when needed rather than letting another pilot unknowingly fly something unsafe.  From there, the Maintenance Officer (or designee) verifies the issue, ensures proper placarding, and schedules repair or replacement, with closure and documentation handled through the club’s system and logbook process.  This structure prevents “second guessing” between members and creates a clear, consistent path from squawk → verification → repair → return to service.

Based In Elkhart, Open To All Pilots

Michiana Air Activities is proudly based at Elkhart Municipal Airport (KEKM), making it easy for members across the region to fly, train, and launch cross-country trips from a convenient home field. We welcome pilots from Elkhart and the wider Michiana area—if you’re certificated, safety-minded, and looking for a club community, you don’t have to live in town to belong here. Our central location supports everything from quick proficiency flights to weekend adventures, with a fleet that’s ready for real-world missions. Whether you’re new to the area, returning to flying, or simply looking for a better long-term home than renting, MAA is built to be accessible and welcoming. Come visit, meet the members, and see what pilot-owned flying looks like at KEKM.

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2004 Cirrus SR20 front view