I've been watching this thread with interest because I'm considering a partnership and I'm glad to see a few positive stories mixed in with the negative. Right now I'm an owner, but my schedule doesn't permit me to fly nearly as often as I'd like. In fact, I end up running down to the airport to sneak in some patterns simply because I don't want the plane to sit too long without being run. I've even been there when the field is IFR running it up for 20 minutes or so. This also drives the hourly operating costs through the roof. This past year, I could have been renting an IFR Cardinal wet and have been training for an instrument rating for less money than my 150. Of course the 150 is more fun to fly. Yes, it is nice to know I was the last person to touch the plane and to make any decisions on spending money without having to consult a partner. But, I would have to think that a partnership with a reasonable person or two would have to beat renting by leaps and bounds. I wouldn't expect a rental to be available at the last minute on a nice weekend. Just my 2 cents, but this is something I've been thinking about alot. Mark, if you're in the same situation AND if you're convinced these people are reasonable, I don't see how it could hurt to try a partnership. Of course, you must look at the rules for scheduling, spending money on upgrades, selling your share when you want to leave, etc.
