Training aircraft share
 

Hi, I am considering buying a share in an aircraft, preferably a C152/C150 or a
PA-28 Warrior, with the intention to then use the aircraft for training toward the PPL.

I have a friend who is a flight instructor so the idea is to save costs by removing the need to go through a flying school. Does anyone know of any such shares available / costs / issues involved?

Generally, is this plan reasonable? We're based in the south. We'll consider airfields from Shoreham to Cranfield etc. Thanks Mark

Welcome to the forum.

In Theory buying your own aircraft is the most cost effective way of getting a PPL. I know of several people who have bought permit aircraft outright, learned to fly on them and then kept them for 4 to 5 years. I would have thought it would also work on an EASA aircraft. The problem is you need the capital up front to make it work. Doing this in a group will be much harder as the existing group is unlikely to want to sell to a student unless they are desperate.

Rod1

Billins Air Services at Cranfield has two AA5s and a C150 which are syndicate owned then leased back to the school. Shareholders get cheaper flying, and most carry on flying the aeroplane that way. They're worth a look. Each has a different set of financial arrangements and rules, and you need to go and look at them individually and decide if you're comfortable with that particular arrangement.

Personally, although a little more expensive, I vastly prefer the AA5.

P

This unfortunately is not possible. You still have be under the umbrella of a school. And they may get a bit ****y with you providing your own instructor and may charge a premium service charge to the point that its cheaper doing it hiring through them.

MJ
There are some instructors that have the umbrella of a school and have an arrangement to use that umbrella outside the school, the instructor here may have such an arrangement, presumably this has been discussed and agreed.

With the additional insurances, etc. there are lots of benefits using a proper school; indeed the requirements for ATO will make it essential.

While I am sure here are several who will feel that flying schools are making 'millions' from pilot training, the reality is that it is a difficult industry as has been demonstrated in recent years.

I am aware of instructors 'freelancing' before and undercutting established schools. The question I have aways wondered is what happens if something goes wrong? Do they have relevent insurances, etc?

Additionally, just because an aircraft is rented from a school does not give the 'freelance' instructor any support from the school (unless previously agreed). I wonder how many are 100% honest with their students?

I personally think that the move from Registered Facilities (with virtually no oversight) to ATO (with appropriate audits, etc) is a good move for the industry.

Maybe controversial....and yes I do operate a training facility. But if you think the process through it will lead to a better service and instructors with a reasonable chance of earning a decent living.

Hi Morky,

I am considering the same thing although i am looking to buy outright. Have seen a couple of AA5s at the right money but need to find out if you can use your own instructor and what the insurance consequences are.
I'd rather come out of the training with something i own and can use.
I will check with the powers that be at EGKH.

plumber-dave, any info from EGKH?

And can anyone point to info regarding the requirement to train within an ATO?

Many thanks

Well I learnt that way however there will be insurance problems with a group aircraft. I did some duel on group aircraft but all solo was done on club aircraft. This will only work if youre instructor has a good relationship with the club CFI.

Azure
 

Hi Morky

I fly with Azure at Cranfield, which could offer you want you want.

Azure Flying Club » Cranfield - but note there is no longer any requirement to be with Thomson.

Joining the club is £150/year, then £135 per tacho (not flying) hour. Includes all landings/circuits at Cranfield. No monthly fees.

We have a couple of instructors associated with the club. I believe the rate for PPL training is ~£25 per flying hour. If your friend was also to join I suspect he would then be able to teach. I believe the committee is looking at us becoming an ATO but have no further info.

If interested please PM me some external contact details I can pass on to one of the committee members.

W

I think Rod1 has pointed you in the right direction. I know of a case where a young man bought a nominal share in a vintage tail-dragger (permit)
He joined the club and was able to use an instructor from the school Presumably, they added their profit to the charge-rate for the instructor.

Instructor got work and a nice change from spam-cans,
School made a profit on Instructor's hours andkept their full fleet capacity for their own studes/hires
miladdo saved a lot ,got a cheap PPL and learned to fly

At present, your difficulty may revolve round the recession. A school that's "quiet" will want to be renting-out their own Planes and facilities.

Quite honestly, expecting to use their facilities/ATO status etc. without them making a decent profit out of you, is not realistic.

Yes , you can potentially save a good chunk,but don't get greedy!