For someone contemplating aircraft ownership for the first time, I would advise considering joining an existing group, to stick a toe in the water, as it were.
The advantages are numerous, and unless money really is of no consequence, it will be very beneficial to be able to share the inevitable bills, when they come along. The more complex the aeroplane, ie retractable u/c, VP prop or whatever, the more relevant this will become. Also, you will be able to benefit from a fund of knowledge about the operation of that type, and have fellow members to ‘mentor’ you in the early stages.
Unless the aircraft is very simple, most groups will require some post PPL experience, perhaps 50 hours or so, before considering your membership.
Availability is seldom a problem, and most group aircraft are under-utilised, even with membership as high as twenty, although four or six is more usual.
Most groups are friendly and supportive, especially those operating PFA aircraft, with members all mucking in for 50 hour checks and Permit Renewals.
Again, this offers a chance to get involved and learn about the aeroplane, which you would not do if it was simply wheeled over to the local engineers.
Many, perhaps most, PPL’s lapse within 100 hours of qualifying, because focus can be lost during this period, and, depending on the airfield/Flying Club
it can become quite a solitary pursuit. As a member of a group, you will have oppportunities for longer, shared flights which you would probably not have undertaken on your own.
Group membership has enabled me to fly some very enjoyable vintage aircraft at low cost, and enjoy the company of many enthusiastic and friendly fellow- flyers. Grab a copy of any of the monthly mags, and look in the classifieds, there is something for just about every taste and budget, from Luton Minor to Hawker Hunter!
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