NRI was founded in 1963 by employees of NUCLEAR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS of Berkeley. In 1964, the Club was incorporated in California as a social, educational, non-profit organization. While the originating firm and its employees are long gone, the flying club has lived on and has retained the original "NRI" moniker. Today we are one of the nation's longest lived flying clubs. We are no longer affiliated with any other companies or organizations although many members participate in young eagles, AOPA and EAA events, among others. Membership is open to qualified applicants with a maximum member level set by the board of directors to ensure fluid scheduling availability.

Every NRI member receives their own set of keys and is expected to care for the aircraft as if it was their own, because they are our own! Scheduling is done via the scheduling website and our members enjoy good availability of our four aircraft. We are flexible about overnight trips and extended trips up to 7 days and even beyond with board approval. Our aircraft have been to the four corners of the USA, multiple trips to Oshkosh Airventure, and countless hamburger hops and training flights.