A fractional ownership programme offering shares in Scottish Aviation Bulldog light two-seat ex-military trainers has been set up in the USA. Bulldogshares, believed to be the first of its kind, has already sold four aircraft to private individuals and has acquired a further seven aircraft from the UK.
Bob Bragg, Bulldogshares managing director, says: "Because of the huge demand for these aircraft we [Bulldog Aircraft] are hoping to buy another five in May." The Bulldog is currently being phased out of service with the UK Royal Air Force, and replaced by Grob Aircraft's G115D. According to Bragg around 300 aircraft were built by Scottish Aviation between 1973 and 1975.
The aircraft are disassembled in the UK, shipped to the USA and then certificated under the Federal Aviation Administration's experimental category. Bragg says: "The final cost of the certificated aircraft is around £32,000 [$45,000], three times more than the original cost of the Bulldog." Bragg is also promoting the new BAE Systems-designed wing modification for the 25-year old Bulldog which, he says, will push up the price by a further £20,000. "The wing modification is designed for those Bulldogs which have reached their fatigue index," Bragg adds.
The programme will initially focus on the Florida, Georgia and Alabama regions, but it should be available nationwide within two years. Shares as small as one tenth are available each costing $5,500. This entitles the owner to 6h a week of flying time and covers maintenance and administration costs. A charge of $15 per occupied flight hour is also levied.
Bragg has appointed a Bulldog sales representative in New Zealand and plans to launch its fractional programme in the region as demand grows.
Source: Flight International
