I started training by renting. Shortly after the first rate hike, I joined a
local flying club to finish. I still belong to the club (172 & 182). About
1/4 way into my IFR training, I partnered with a couple other guys in the
club & we bought a Cherokee 180C.

We hardly ever have a schedule conflict, and if we do, the club planes are
usually available. I've debated staying in the club. But, our 180 is in the
shop right now for some engine work. It's nice to have access to the club
planes. The dues are probably less than what renters insurance is (guess, i
haven't researched that).

I kinda like flying different planes from time to time. The club gives me
that. 70% of my flying is in my partnership plane.

For someone starting out, I would suggest a flying club. You can avoid some
of the hassles of owning (maintaining/fixing) & focus on learning. Now, if
you plan to fly/train 3+ times a week, you'll need a club with several
planes or very understanding members while you book the heck out of the
thing. :-D

"Andrew Gideon" wrote in message
online.com...
Peter R. wrote:

Aircraft Availability:
======================
Owning: 10
Partnership: 6
Flying Club: 3


This isn't quite true, depending upon what you mean by "availability".
One
of the major advantages of a multi-plane club (of any sort) is the ability
to keep flying even if a plane is "down".

I actually experienced this a week or so ago. For a silly reason, the
plane
I was planning to take wasn't available. Another club plane *was*
available. A quick dialog with our scheduling system via my Treo
(schedulemaster.com, which is also available via phone), a walk a few
steps
down the ramp, and off I went in "the other" airplane.

If I were an owner or partner of a lone plane, I'd have had to cancel the
flight.

- Andrew