Syndication - the debate

I am no defender of Mode S - which in the GA context seems to offer zero benefit to anybody over Mode C - but I am suprised that war is still being fought in the "conventional powered aircraft" arena, because an aircraft without Mode S is not very useful for flying outside the UK.

Barring unusual issues, the installation cost should be under £2k which in terms of a 10-member syndicate is frankly peanuts.

Just my view

The other advantage of a syndicate is you have the option of getting something different than a Cessna 150/172 or PA 28 which are pretty much the only choice to rent at most places.

Very much so.

Let's list some advantages of ownership (syndicate or outright):

• You know who else has been messing with it
• Can go on longer trips e.g. abroad, without silly minimum daily billing requirements
• Can get a much more capable aircraft
• Can get an aircraft which is not commonly available on self fly hire
• Marginal (hourly) cost is the lowest possible (maximises currency incentives)
• No money going to somebody else's profit
• Maintenance can be done to yourstandards
• You can keep all your junk in there (liferafts, headsets, etc)
• Anything else?

The downside is the commitment, of course, but there is no free lunch in life.

Most renters chuck flying in pretty quickly. Renting has the highest marginal (hourly) cost and thus the greatest disincentive to currency. I know - I did it for a year.

My (capital) group has just 3 members. Only one is IFR rated. 95% of the multi day trips and 90% of the shorter trips we fly together so there has never been an issue over equipment levels despite a disparity in incomes.

There is no incentive to enlarge the group as the trade-off between reduction in fixed costs and the possible negative factors ( reduced availabilty, personality clashes etc ) doesn't make it very attractive.

I'd agree that it does come down to common interest (or, mission profile as Peter calls it), but also selecting members who fit the personality of the group. At times, there will need to be compromises made, and it helps if people can accept a common majority (even if they dont like something), or stage a healthy debate about an alternative. Otherwise things will descend into chaos. Of course, that applies to many things in life, and not just flying groups.

My aircraft group has four in it, and we have a fairly simple signed 'contract' which stipulates a shared view about safety, cost, equipment and that a 3 out of 4 majority wins.

Six things

1. Select correct type of plane for mission profile- decide in advance what this will be.
2. Select wherever possible the organisation which will manage CAMO and maintenance, or whatever regime you will be in, before share holders sign up.
3. Be very specific about who joins group. I.e. specific ratings, hours, experience. Do not waver.
4. Base the aeroplane near larger conurbations/populations.
5. Select a type rated instructor as check pilot for group. He gives go/no go to potential pilots/share holders, and covers recency checks etc.
6. Be very realistic about cost. If it is expensive, then make it so. I see a lot of groups who attempt to run on shoestring. Not good. Ensure the 'agreement' is understood by all potential share holders.

More than 2, no greater than 6.

And finally, like all partnerships, be it business, marriage, or friends, eventually it may all go very pear shaped- be prepared.

Sorry tried to edit, not sure how to do it

For regency, read recency.

And it should read, no greater than 6.

I'm learning!!!!!

Thanks Piperarcher, As my initiating post, could you list for me what you see as the top 6 things you think matter regarding setting up a good group ?

WIll do, but will give it some proper thought tomorrow. Right now I am planning a flight into Bristol Filton for tomorrow so I can get that one in my log book before it closes, and also somewhat poorly, attempt to re-enact the final ever flight of the beloved Concorde :-)