We invite you to join the SDPA so that we can have a stronger voice in general aviation issues in South Dakota. It is easy to join – just click on the link below to the Application form. After filling out the simple application form, just enclose a check made out to “SDPA” for $20 for General Membership or $10 for Student Membership (full-time in high school, college, or technical school) and mail the form to us. There are no restrictions on who can become a member of SDPA.

Membership Application Form (PDF) | New Pilot Membership Application Form (PDF)

Membership includes:

• Full voting rights at membership meetings.
• Eligibility to serve as a SDPA officer.
• Annual subscription to bi-monthly "SDPA News" newsletter – the ONLY statewide, general aviation newsletter in South Dakota.
• Bi-monthly meetings around the state to discuss aviation issues in South Dakota.
• Colorful SDPA patch for your cap or jacket (heat-activated glue backing).
• SDPA member merchandise.
• SDPA sponsored aviation safety seminars.
• Eligibility to nominate worthy people for the Becker-Hansen Memorial Scholarship.
• Annual sponsorship of two 50% scholarships to the ACE Camp.

About Membership
The members of the SDPA are dedicated to promoting general aviation in South Dakota. Pilots in each state must look out for general aviation issues in their state, and in South Dakota the organization that is doing that is the SDPA. Our Officers and Directors are South Dakota pilots first and foremost – with the best interest of general aviation in South Dakota in mind. The SDPA Officers and Directors depend on our members to alert us to concerns about general aviation in South Dakota. Our newsletter is a strong voice for communicating important aviation issues to our members.

New Pilots get One-Year Free Membership

The SDPA is promoting general aviation and camaraderie among pilots and aviation enthusiasts in South Dakota by giving a one-year FREE membership to NEW PILOTS who are residents in SD.  By NEW pilot we mean that they have passed their check ride within 12 months of submitting an application for a free membership.  This free membership program was initiated on March 22, 2008, at the SDPA meeting in Pierre.  All the new pilot has to do is complete a membership application and mail it to SDPA, 307 W. Blaine, Gettysburg, SD 57442.  We have mailed “new pilot” applications to the seven designated pilot examiners in South Dakota to give to new pilots passing their check ride.  However, if you know of a new pilot who is a resident of SD and took their check ride outside of SD, i.e., in a surrounding state like IA, MN, ND, WY, or NE, please let us know and we will mail them an application (contact Steve Hamilton at 605-665-8448 or email at skyhawk@iw.net).

New Pilot application (PDF)