Question 1

How does the lease agreement actually work?

Accepted Answer

The lease headline is 10 years. Each year, your returnable sum is reduced by £2,000. We also offer a 5 year lease agreement which does come with a slightly larger monthly fee.

Question 2

Where is the aircraft based?

Accepted Answer

The aircraft is based at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Question 3

Where do you carry out maintainance on G-OCCH?

Accepted Answer

All maintenance is carried out at Multiflight. They are a also a authorised Diamond service centre for total peace of mind.

Question 4

What is the minimum invoiced time per month?

Accepted Answer

We have a minimum of 1 hour invoiced per month. This policy helps us keep costs low. The 1 hour invoiced is credited to your account, so even if you take a break, you are accruing credit. Safety is paramount, and we don't want to force anyone to fly in adverse conditions or feel pressured to fly.

Question 5

Why do you charge an up front lease payment?

Accepted Answer

Aircraft are a huge investment. An upfront fee allows you to feel like you have bought into something, but also keep the monthly fee & hourly fees low. We want to see G-OCCH in the air.

Question 6

What is availability like?

Accepted Answer

Availability is one of the key benefits of the syndicate model. With a limited number of members sharing G-OCCH, we expect members to have excellent access to the aircraft, while a simple booking system ensures fair access for everyone.Members can book the aircraft in advance for local flights, longer trips and touring, subject to the syndicate's booking arrangements.Because G-OCCH is professionally maintained at Leeds Bradford Airport, we also aim to maximise aircraft availability and minimise downtime.

Question 7

Can I do advanced training in G-OCCH?

Accepted Answer

Yes. G-OCCH is equipped with a modern Garmin G1000 cockpit, autopilot and IFR capability, making it a very capable platform for pilots looking to progress their qualifications.Subject to the syndicate's training arrangements, members can use the aircraft for further training such as:Night RatingIMC Rating (formerly known as IR(R))Instrument proficiency and refresher trainingGeneral advanced flying and cross-country trainingFor formal licence or rating training, the appropriate CAA-approved instructor or training organisation must be used, and the aircraft must meet the requirements for the particular training or skill test.

Question 8

What happens if the aircraft develops a fault?

Accepted Answer

Safety comes first. The aircraft must not be flown if it is not airworthy. Any required maintenance is dealt with through the aircraft's approved maintenance arrangements.

Question 9

Do I need to have flown a DA40 before?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. However, members must satisfy the syndicate's checkout and aircraft familiarisation requirements before operating G-OCCH independently.

Question 10

Can I take the aircraft abroad or for longer periods?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Every booking has to be approved by the admins, but as long as it is commercially sensible & not to disadvantage other members, this can be arranged.

Question 11

What are the medical requirements?

Accepted Answer

You must hold a minimum of a class 2 medical to fly G-OCCH

Question 12

What are your currency requirements?

Accepted Answer

Currency depends of your total experience.100 hours or less - 1 take off and landing every 30 days or must fly with another group member100 hours or more - 1 take off and landing every 90 days or must fly with another group member.The group currency rules do not replace any regulatory requirements from the UK CAA.

Question 13

Can I use Innovative Aviation for hour building ?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Innovative Aviation is a very sensible choice for pilots looking to build hours in preparation for further training and advanced ratings.With a fixed £150 per flying hour wet, including fuel and oil, you have a clear and predictable cost of flying.For example, if you were to build 100 hours over two years:£5,000 lease fee£7,080 membership fees (£295 × 24 months)£15,000 flying costs (100 hours × £150)Total cost over two years: £27,080Based on 100 hours of flying, that works out at an effective cost of £270.80 per flying hour, including the lease and membership costs.This gives you access to a modern, well-equipped aircraft while building valuable flying experience ahead of further qualifications such as a Night Rating, IMC or Instrument Rating (IR).

Frequently asked questions