Aircraft group ownership: how syndicates work

How shared ownership of a light aircraft works, what to put in the group agreement and how to split costs fairly.

The short answer

In a group, several pilots own shares in one aircraft, usually through a company or a written agreement. Fixed costs are split by share, and flying is paid per hour. It can cut the cost of flying your own aircraft by more than half.

What the agreement should cover

• Share size and how a member buys in or sells out
• Monthly fixed contribution and hourly rate
• Booking rules and maximum booking length
• Who manages maintenance and the paperwork
• What happens after damage or an insurance excess
• Minimum experience and currency for members

Keeping it fair

The hourly rate should cover fuel, reserves and hourly maintenance. Everyone records their flights in the aircraft’s technical log so hours and costs stay honest.

What goes wrong

Most disputes come from unclear bookings, surprise bills and snags that are not reported. A shared list of open defects and a clear booking calendar solve most of it.