.........it should be run on company lines with a strong contractual obligation on members, rather than relying on goodwill.
Could not agree more and it does work. Have a good agreed set of rules and get everyone to sign them. A loose framework of "friends" is OK while they are friends but it does not take much for things to break down.
A group of up to six can make flying a four-seat tourer quite reasonable, cost wise. In fact, the annual cost of a 1/6th share will probably be less than an annual membership at a golf club
Never understood the restriction imposed by some for a 100-hour P1 minimum. Being a good judge of character is more important IMO. A recently qualified pilot should not have any "bad habits" and be keen to learn and be accepted within the group. A few years ago it was a 60-hour member who brought our aeroplane back to the airfield after the engine threw a valve just outside the circuit.
Beware of those who want to have everything in flying on the cheap. They are often those that turn up in a new expensive car, and/or are airline pilots!!
In my experience, a lot of group members do not fly more than 20 hours a year despite what they might say when joining.
The best group of all is a group of one.
I agree but not necessarily practical.
WR