Chapter 20:

What Is the Smallest Fractional Share of an Airplane I Can Buy?

Aviation has come a long way over the years, and one of the latest trends in private aviation is fractional ownership. Fractional ownership refers to a type of shared ownership in which several people can own a part of an aircraft, rather than one individual owning the whole aircraft.

This type of ownership has become increasingly popular due to the high cost of aircraft ownership and the benefits it offers, including access to private aviation without the cost burden of full ownership.

How Does Fractional Jet Ownership Work?

Understanding Fractional Ownership

Fractional ownership in aviation is a shared ownership model in which several individuals share the costs and benefits of owning an aircraft. Unlike full ownership, fractional shares in jets allow individuals to own a portion of the aircraft and share its use.

One of the biggest advantages of fractional ownership is the cost savings it offers compared to full ownership. With fractional ownership, you only pay for the portion of the aircraft you own, which reduces the cost of ownership significantly. Additionally, with fractional ownership, you also share the cost of operating and maintaining the aircraft, which further reduces the cost of ownership.

Different Types of Fractional Ownership

There are several types of fractional ownership models available, including whole aircraft ownership, timeshare agreements, and management programs. Buying a fractional jet share, or finding fractional jet shares for sale, provides an opportunity to enter an ownership program which will involve jet chartering and be able to earn you money. Not all fractional jet share programs necessarily involve chartering, however.

  • Single aircraft fractional ownership, is a model in which several individuals own a portion of a whole aircraft. This type of ownership allows individuals to share the costs and benefits of aircraft ownership, including access to private aviation without the burden of full ownership.
  • Timeshare agreements, on the other hand, allow individuals to share the use of an aircraft for a specified period of time in number of hours per year or hours per month. In this model, individuals own a portion of the aircraft and share its use, but they do not share the cost of ownership.
  • Fractional ownership through management programs is another popular model in which individuals own a portion of the aircraft, but the company manages the aircraft and provides access to it as a service. This model is popular among individuals who want the benefits of private aviation without the hassle of managing an aircraft.

Factors Affected by the Size of a Fractional Share

The size of a fractional share is determined by several factors, including the cost of the aircraft, operating costs, maintenance costs, depreciation, and availability of the aircraft.

  • The size of the fractional share is going to be dependent on what the customer can afford along with their flying needs. The two biggest factors affecting the size are planned utilization and cost of the fraction. The customer would determine the size they wish to purchase.
  • Operating costs, such as fuel and maintenance, will be affected by the size of the fractional share, and the larger the share you own the more expensive these costs will be. For example, if you purchase a 1/16th share of an aircraft then you will be paying 1/16th of the operating costs.
  • Maintenance costs also are affected by the size of the fractional share. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep an aircraft in top condition, and the cost of maintenance can be substantial.
  • Depreciation is another factor affected by the size of the fractional share. The depreciation cost will be in proportion to the share size.
  • Finally, the availability of the aircraft is another factor that is affected by the size of the fractional share.

A woman in red is getting out of her car beside her private jet

Determining the Smallest Fractional Share

Fractional jet ownership usually ranges from 1/16th as the smallest share to ½ as the largest.

Determining the smallest fractional share of an airplane requires careful consideration of several factors, including the cost of aircraft usage, the cost per flight hour, and the types of aircraft available for fractional ownership.

Factors to consider when determining the smallest fractional share

Share size represents the access to private aircraft that a purchaser needs. When purchasing and determining the smallest fractional share of an airplane, there are several factors to consider, including the cost per hour of aircraft usage, the cost per flight hour, and the types of aircraft available for fractional ownership.

1. Cost per hour of aircraft usage

The cost per hour of aircraft usage is an important factor to consider when determining the smallest fractional share of an airplane. This cost includes fuel, maintenance, and other operational costs, such as crew salaries, insurance, and landing fees. The occupied hourly fee, or cost per hour of aircraft usage can vary greatly depending on the type of aircraft and the operating costs associated with it.

2. Cost per flight hour

The cost per flight hour is another important factor to consider when determining the smallest fractional share of an airplane. This hourly rate cost includes the cost of the aircraft itself, as well as any financing and depreciation costs. The cost per flight hour can vary greatly depending on the type of aircraft and its age.

3. Types of aircraft available for fractional ownership

There are several types of aircraft available for fractional share jet ownership, including jets, turboprops, and piston-powered aircraft. Each type of aircraft has its own unique characteristics, and the cost of fractional ownership can vary greatly depending on the type of aircraft you choose.

Jets are the most popular type of aircraft for fractional ownership, and they offer the fastest and most luxurious way to travel. Jets are ideal for long-distance travel and are typically the most expensive type of aircraft for fractional ownership.

Turboprops are another popular type of aircraft for fractional ownership. They offer a cost-effective alternative to jets, and they are well suited for short- to medium-distance travel.

How to Purchase a Fractional Share

Once you have determined the smallest fractional share of an airplane that meets your needs and budget, the next step is to purchase the fractional share. This involves finding a reputable fractional ownership company, researching the company’s track record, reviewing the company’s terms and conditions, and understanding the costs associated with fractional ownership.

Finding a reputable fractional ownership company

The first step in purchasing a fractional share is to find a reputable fractional ownership company. You can start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have purchased fractional shares in the past. You can also research companies online and read reviews from other fractional owners to get a better understanding of their experiences.

Researching the company’s track record

Once you have found a few potential fractional ownership companies, it is important to research their track record. This includes reviewing the company’s financial stability, its history of providing quality service, and its reputation in the industry. You can also check with industry organizations and regulatory agencies to see if there have been any complaints or issues with the company.

Reviewing the company’s terms and conditions

Before purchasing a fractional share, it is important to thoroughly review the company’s terms and conditions. This includes understanding the company’s policy on aircraft maintenance and upgrades, the costs associated with flight time, and the conditions under which you can use the aircraft. You should also review the company’s policy on selling your fractional share in the future and any limitations or restrictions that may apply.

Understanding the costs associated with fractional ownership

Finally, it is important to understand the costs associated with fractional ownership. This includes the upfront costs of purchasing the fractional share, as well as ongoing costs such as maintenance fees, flight time fees, and management fees. It is important to have a clear understanding of these costs and to budget for them in advance.

Takeaway

  • Fractional ownership is a form of private aviation ownership that allows individuals and businesses to purchase a fraction of an aircraft, rather than owning the entire aircraft.
  • When determining the smallest fractional share of an airplane, factors such as cost per hour of aircraft usage, cost per flight hour, and the types of aircraft available for fractional ownership should be considered.
  • To purchase a fractional share, it is important to find a reputable fractional ownership company, research the company’s track record, review the company’s terms and conditions, and understand the costs associated with fractional ownership.

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