Arnaud

I fly from White Gum Farm, a very nice set up with brand new hangar, briefing room, etc... Location, close to Greenhills: 31o52.026'S 116o56.342E Two sets of runways:17-35 (1500m) and 10-28 (1300m) and the more challenging (lots of tall trees) 14-32 (650m) and 07-25 (450m). All this surrounded with lots of grazed or cropped paddocks so as a novice you feel pretty safe. I feel pretty fortunate to have such a facility in my area, so I support it to the max.

I've been in formal and informal partnerships in the past and it all comes down to attitude: if every partner puts in 105% of what is required of them, then great things happen. If it doesn't work out and one partner is not happy then the best option is to refund the initial outlay, with a smile. Partnerships in aviation do work, the best example is the Airborne team. Straight to the point: Anyone out there ( I mean within 100 kms of York, Western Australia) interested in exploring the possibility of group ownership of a new or near new Airborne trike ?

Hi, I'm nearly there...solo flight on a trike and already there is another challenge looming: soon I'll have to purchase my own wings ! I could raid the savings account and purchase a brand new Redback but I would prefer an Outback with a 582. Having said that my training has mainly be on a Outback 912 with Cruze wing, and that would suit me fine ! The problem is that it doesn't make sense at all to purchase on your own something you'll be lucky to use 50~60 hours per year and unlike real estate doesn't appreciate in value. To any outsider the obvious solution is group ownership or syndication, but as soon as I mention the word to any microlight pilot I always get the same response: "It doesn't work !". I cannot comprehend that people who are prepared to get airborne in rather flimsy structures made of aluminium tubing and fabric find the idea of shared ownership too risky ! Could you please enlighten me about the pros & cons of syndicates. Any positive experiences out there ? I live and fly out of York, Western Australia, is there anyone out there who would like to explore the matter further. Arnaud Arnaud

Hello from York, Western Australia. Last time I made use of my PPL was twenty years ago...too expensive, too complicated and not enough fun for the money "invested". This year I discovered microlights and have taken lessons in an Airborne Outback 912. I am now waiting for the CFI to be available for my pre-solo check flight. What an experience ! I've got my work cut out checking out the posts on this forum but meanwhile I'll put a thread out regarding "Aircraft Syndicates". Greetings to you all and hopefully lots of flying over the Easter week end (I'm on duty manning our retail shop and crushing olives). Arnaud