Resources for Aviators
The cost of airplane acquisition and flying can be reduced by 50%-75% through shared ownership.

Jeffrey S. Brewer is the President & Founder of Connecting Aviators®. His company provides cloud-based Interactive Aviator Software on native iOS devices to help pilots find, connect, and share their passion for flying with fellow aviators.
He has written articles, such as, “The Value of Shared Aircraft Ownership,” which was published in Cirrus Pilot Magazine, April 2020 and “A Clear Solution for Ice Protection,” published in the Special Safety Issue of Cirrus Pilot Magazine, April 2018. And, he has authored more than 350 weblogs during the past 7-years on general aviation trends, high performance aircraft and cost of ownership.
Jeffrey has more than 2.000 hours of flight time in airplanes, including Cirrus Perspective SR22 Turbos, Bonanzas, Cessnas, and Piper Aircraft.
The Value of Shared Aircraft Ownership
It’s understood that costs differ by airplane type and with the passage of time, but a good valuation framework facilitates discussions, cost measurements, and process improvements. Our five-year case study on “The Value of Shared Aircraft Ownership” involved a $400,000 high-performance airplane, but the methodology can be applied to most aircraft co-ownerships. The study also included information gleaned from hundreds of pilot discussions about airplane expenses and co-ownership issues.
Three co-owners each realized $169,000 in value through shared ownership of a high-performance Cirrus Turbo airplane over a five-year period. The study identified $74,000 in direct expense savings per member compared to single-pilot ownership over five years. The analysis also quantified the value of member-contributed capital for airplane acquisition at $90,000 and goodwill from co-ownership formation at $5,000.
A three-step quantitative method was applied, which included establishing a valuation framework, organizing costs, and calculating values. The valuation framework included four categories: variable costs, fixed costs, acquisition capital, and co-ownership goodwill.
Variable Costs were items which increased or decreased relative to flight hours, such as fuel, oil, magnetos, brakes, tires, and engine. Fixed Costs included expenses incurred regardless of flight hours. These costs typically expired based on calendar months, for example, hangar, insurance and life-limited items, such as annuals, AmSafe airbags, CAPS, etc. Acquisition Capital came from member contributed capital. Goodwill was derived from the formation of a successful co-ownership.
Get the “The Value of Shared Aircraft Ownership” 5-year case study for free which includes new information not previously published. Available at no charge through the link located above.
A Clear Solution for Ice Protection
It makes sense that a manufacturer based in Duluth Minnesota wouldn’t just slip up on the idea of ice protection. For almost two decades, Cirrus airplanes have flown with a clear solution for ice. And, ice protection remains a preferred option among pilots of the iconic Cirrus SR22. From its beginning, Cirrus Aircraft has been focused on safety and innovation. The original article “A Clear Solution for Ice Protection” is available through Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association, Cirrus Pilot Magazine, Special Safety Issue, April 2018.