Effective 05/17/2021, the rental rate will be adjusted to $265.00 per hour. This is to account for the increased operating expenses:
- The FBO change from Gibbs to Crownair immediately increased the fuel cost per gallon by 12%. The tie-down lease is going to increase by 15% in July 2021. Further increases are to be expected due to rising oil prices and demand as well as planned infrastructure upgrades for the ramp, which will be paid for by leases.
- The insurance cost increased by appx. 15% in March 2021.
The 15/90 program will continue for now. The new discounted rate for members flying 15 hours or more in any 90-day period is $215.00 per hour. Refunds are processed on a monthly basis, starting in the month after reaching refund eligibility.
The rate increase also adjusts the necessary reserves to cover repairs for damage/excessive wear&tear caused by members that aren’t covered by insurance or IDP.
Unfortunately, this will increase the cost for all pilots. You are free to send your comments/feedback to PlusOne or make yourself heard at the General Membership meetings, once they resume.
It doesn’t have to be this way! There is a path towards lowering the rate, but this would require a few things to change within PlusOne that are outside of my control – but inside the control of the PlusOne member- and leadership. A comprehensive reform of the IDP program and a more nuanced scheduling/pricing policy, which incentivizes high-quality decisions, could reduce cost and maximize aircraft utilization, leading to more efficient operation and allow owners to give back to the pilot community by reducing the rate. The one-size-fits-all operating model is largely built around the classic trainer aircraft (172s, PA28s) and leaves much to be desired for complex, multi, TAA or high performance aircraft.
Here is your reminder to always book a standby schedule, even if your plans are not firm yet and may change. Lots of schedules get cancelled or rebooked. The odds are always in your favor.
Book your schedule today! Thanks for flying N173CD!
Happy Landings!
Phillip