Only you can decide whether buying into a fractional ownership
program makes sense for you. When considering the fractional
ownership model, think about these questions. Discuss them
with fractional program managers and, if possible, with pilots
already in the fractional ownership program at that location.
Do I meet the minimum pilot experience requirements for the
program, or if not, will program instructors work with me to reach
those requirements quickly?
How many airplanes are available to me in the program? How many
of those are based at the program airport I'll use?
How long (in terms of time) will it take me to drive to the
program airport? How will drive time affect my willingness to
use the airplane?
If the drive time is great, will program managers deliver the
airplane to me for my use? What additional expenses are
incurred? Do I have to fly the delivery pilot back to the program
airport before my trip, and pick him/her up before flying
home?
Will I fly enough to make the resulting hourly costs
worthwhile?
How flexible is my flying schedule? Do I plan to fly for
business, and if so, am I able to adjust meeting times to fit
airplane availability?
Do I need the airplane more than 100 to 150 hours per
year? Will this make scheduling an issue for me?
Am I honestly able to afford the program buy-in and
monthly/annual fees and still pay as much or more per flight hour
as a traditional aircraft rental?
Are the additional costs over renting worth it to me to fly a
newer, better equipped airplane?
Do I enjoy working with the airplane and getting involved in
maintenance and inspections? Will I miss that too much in a
managed-airplane program?
Do I want to equip an airplane to my personal
specifications? Will I be satisfied accepting the program
airplane's equipment as is?
Will I willingly accept the initial and recurrent training
requirements? Do I have the time and flexibility to meet those
requirements within the availability of an airplane and program
instructor?
Is the program's liability insurance coverage sufficient for my
needs? Can I find supplemental ("umbrella") coverage for
additional liability protection if I need it?
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ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.26.24): DETRESFA (Distress Phrase)
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