Andrew Gideon wrote:

xyzzy wrote:


5. With a fleet of four basically identical planes, not completely
grounded by squawks, annuals, overhauls, etc.


This is one of my favorite "why a club" answers. The other related answer
(which may not apply to your club) is that in a club has different types of
aircraft, there's some diversity in your flying.


We also have 152's, which are such low-end trainers that hardly any
non-student pilots fly them, and Mooneys, and there are some members
that fly both Warriors and Mooneys. Most members just fly one type
though, because each type caters to a different market.

We're having that discussion now, looks like the club board has decided
to sell two of the four Warriors and buy 2 172's. I personally don't
like it because unless a pilot is willing to stay current in both types
(which is an added expense and hassle), everyone's fleet availability
just got cut in half -- I actually argue worse than in half because
having one other plane of a type is much worse than having three others
of the type when you show up for your instrument lesson and find the NAV
radio on the plane you reserved is squawked. Others like the diversity
of flying more, and quite frankly I think some members just like
shopping for airplanes. Looks like the diversity/shopping crowd has won
the argument. That's why the "you don't control your own fate"
disadvantage has recently been added to my list of pros and cons for
club vs. owning.