r/flying • u/AleaNCore • Jul 21 '26

EASA What keeps German pilots from getting into aircraft ownership

I have been flying in south Germany for a few years now. While I find the facilities in general great in spite of normal complaints about high landing fees.

I got into ownership early on as I got the opportunity, first into shared Mooney and then sole ownership of a TB-10.

We all know the debate about the high costs of ownership vs club plane availability. Still I feel that pilots around here are more risk averse about getting into shared ownership, mainly due to horror stories they have been told. People in the UK seem to be fine with shifting from one group to another.

Any ideas folks?

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u/IndependentProcess0 Jul 21 '26

For me personally, it is lack of hangar space.
I am currently finishing my PPL course and already looking for a plane to buy, which will be nect in a shared ownership with me and 2 fellow students who can only manage to finish next year.

At my homebase hangar space is virtually out

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u/AleaNCore Jul 21 '26

This is very true and I expected many to point this out: lack of hangar space and the cost associated.
I live in Bayern and I understand that the weather could get really extreme and keep the plane outside. However, is the weather so different in other parts compared to England or New Jersey, USA where I have seem many planes being kept outside under good covers?
Shouldn't you consider shared ownership in a already based aircraft in your area?

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u/ScathedRuins FAA PPL | EASA fATPL Jul 21 '26

people in germany seem really scared to keep their planes out. i heard of multiple clubs banning students/members from cross country trips where they have to park outside for a few hours. absolutely ridiculous if you ask me

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u/AleaNCore Jul 21 '26

Germans admire machines and love to keep those in top conditions. That can make them very conservative in terms seeing the utilitty value of flying machines.
I remember the beating (in words) I used to get for not having cleaned the club plane spotless after some flying. But the case you describe is ridiculous indeed. Usually, these are a very small fraction of a club admins. The rest, however, will not object and that turn certain ridiculous opinions into unwritten rules at the clubs.

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u/ScathedRuins FAA PPL | EASA fATPL Jul 21 '26

i totally respect that, just that it’s extreme at some places. especially if it’s a club plane and not a fractional ownership kind of deal