diff --git a/gen/aircraft.py b/gen/aircraft.py
index 2a64dbd2..d609aa2e 100644
--- a/gen/aircraft.py
+++ b/gen/aircraft.py
@@ -703,6 +703,7 @@ class AircraftConflictGenerator:
         self, cp: ControlPoint, country: Country, flight: Flight
     ) -> FlyingGroup[Any]:
         name = namegen.next_aircraft_name(country, cp.id, flight)
+        group: Optional[FlyingGroup[Any]] = None
         try:
             if flight.start_type == "In Flight":
                 group = self._generate_inflight(
@@ -727,7 +728,6 @@ class AircraftConflictGenerator:
             else:
 
                 # If the flight is an helicopter flight, then prioritize dedicated helipads
-                group = None
                 if flight.unit_type.helicopter:
                     helipad = cp.get_free_helipad()
                     if helipad is not None: