I have been kicking around the idea to start a flying cub with a certified Rans S20 trike and an S-7 here in Phoenix, AZ. Right now just kicking it around, reading Aopa's resources on starting a club http://www.aopa.org/Pilot-Resources/Fly ... urces.aspx.

Any thoughts positive or negative?

I always call my insurance agent before I make changes to my flying mission(s) (commercial or private). I like to see what they say about it.

I like the idea of clubs but, the demographics of your region will pretty much decide the usefulness. May give some folks the opportunity to fly at a reasonable cost which is good in my opinion.

how many members? more than 3 per plane gets complicated for flight scheduling

Not saying Rans aren't rugged planes. They can stand up to the back country reasonably well. Just not sure how they would stand up to renters. But then I guess a lot of people rented fabric planes back in the day.

By "certified" I'm guessing you mean SLSA. Base model pricing for both puts the initial investment at close to $220,000. No options. One being a T/D, it will substantially bump up your insurance rates. Unless you pay cash, you'll need hull damage coverage. Even if you pay cash, you'll still need hull coverage or cash in escrow to coved accidental damages. Plan on allowing off airport use for all members? There go your rates again. Add hanger fees and scheduled maintenance costs for 2 aircraft into the monthly dues.
Even with 8 members, the acquisition costs alone are close to $30.000. That puts the use at 4 pilots per plane. Scheduling would be somewhat problematic. And the wear and tear would be substantial. If one goes down for repairs, you'll have all the members vying for time in the other aircraft. What if one of the members wants to take a multi day trip to a fly-in? All the others use the remaining aircraft? Who would determine the schedule?
Just a rough estimate of costs for 8 or fewer members would be hard to justify over private ownership of a clean low hour used S-7 or S-6.
The "new plane smell" would fade rather quickly in an active club setting. 6 months later you'll have new plane expenses while flying a used aircraft.
On the other hand.... My condition inspection is coming due, as is my insurance, and my hanger rent. I'm approaching the 1/2 way mark to TBO.
I'm really lusting after some 26" Airstreaks and I'm fast approaching the point where I'll "need" Robert's gear or Monster gear.
Airplane ownership is expensive no matter how you slice it. But for me, being able to fly whenever I can find the time is worth it.

I'd join your club if I lived there. We have a club with 2 aircraft here in Bozeman and have 40 members - no problems scheduling aircraft. I used to be in a club with a Citabria and we self insured it for hull coverage. It was ground looped once and repaired at our cost - we still came out ahead over paying hull insurance premiums over the years. Granted, the club had 4 other planes (tricycle gear) that all saw more use.

Thanks for all the thoughts. Currently in Phx area, I do not see any advantages with the current clubs. The rates are not really that much better over renting, if at all.

In research, seems 'club' is used loosely.

Really this would be a rental and flight training operation. Conceptually start with 1 or 2 Rans and look for leasbacks on more 'traditional' cessna and/or piper.

Randy did indicate there will be engine options in the S-20 SLSA.