I'd really like to see COPA get into this business. They don't need to assume the risk, but it would be amazing if they could lead the way for the setup of flying clubs. COPA chapters are a great beginning to the network, and if a chapter also owned an aircraft and flying club that would make sense.dcabrown wrote:Solution - PARTNERSHIPS are one of the easiest ways to bring the costs down significantly. I'm not sure why there aren't more partnerships (2-5 people) or flying clubs (6-20 people) around. Maybe there are and I don't know about em?
Consider:
Tie down - same amount regardless of pilots, can be split between people
Insurance - same amount for for 2-5 pilots, can be split
Annual Inspection - basically the same amount ($1600+snags) each year whether you fly 20 or 200 hours
Scheduling - via Google Calendar - free
It's just a matter of meeting the right people to form a group which I'll admit is easier said than done.
I honestly think COPA could/should offer a "Flying Club Setup Service" where they come into the club, consult with the members, help select and purchase an aircraft, ink the paperwork required, and generally facilitate the whole process.
It's easy to find people willing to spend money to fly, much harder to convince them to organize their peers and get stuff done.