SkyHigh

I believe that changes in the family dynamic are largely the root cause behind the decline in general aviation. The article does a good job of explaining it in detail.

In addition the other big factor in the decline of GA is the modern highway system. Why go through the hassle of putting a flight together when you can jump into a GMC Yukon and get there faster with the cruse control set at 75MPH? It does not make sense to use GA for transportation anymore. The perceived benefits of GA as a business tool are gone.

New pilots will pursue aviation solely as a hobby. They will not go anywhere, will not need speed or altitude and will only need to carry one passenger at a time. That is why I believe that light sport has a chance at saving a piece of GA.

Under those conditions aviation holds the promise of being affordable again.

Skyhigh

Grumble

GA is dying the death of 1000 cuts. Every city with an airport is trying to impose it's will or shut it down, fuel is becoming outrageously expensive, new aircraft sales are in the toilet, it's way to expensive to rent even a C-172 anymore, the bulk of the "affordable" rental fleet is all dying, banks aren't stupid enough to make career starter loans to aspiring RJ pilots.... it's just one little thing after another. Last but not least, every year AOPA and the EAA have to lobby their asses off to avoid user fees. As soon as that changes, GA will be dead.

It'll be like England, $72 to shoot an ILS, $12 for every touch and go, $300/hour for a 172, $125 for flight following, $58 to file IFR.

I think the only saving grace is the experimental sector, and to a lesser extent light sport (who wants to pay $150K for a C-162?)

brianb

Right you are sir. I went down to my local airport to check out some flying clubs and was aghast at the prices they were asking for a C-152!! This was the same airplane I soloed in 1986. It seems that a lot of the clubs have replaced all their older stuff with glass aircraft that demand a higher price. Have you looked at the price to rent a Cirrus these days? AOPA is trying desperately to hang onto GA. I hope they can make some changes for the better in the near future or GA will be a thing of the past.

clipperskipper

GA is in dire straits, if we had 1/10th of the Goldman Sachs bailout money things would be quite different. According to the FAA the attrition rate is 78%. I spoke with a couple of instructors today at the PYM airport, their numbers are way off. I try to be encouraging when speaking to the young instructors there, most with that twinkle of that regional jet in their eye.
I also encourage new students, whether for pleasure or a career.

Weighing several options re-entering this business, I purchased a '74 C-150M with good times, and a fresh annual. Smartest move I could have made as I put app. 8 hours a week on it, heck I did my CFI renewal in it today. My DOC's are cheap, around $49/hr. Insurance was $428/year through Global however, about 1/3 of AOPA's quote.

There is way too much used inventory out there with good airframe and engine times, I cannot imagine a new aircraft purchase. Jeez a new C-172 is $300K! It's up there with building a new house.

SkyHigh

Welcome to the world of 150 ownership !! Do not forget to join the Cessna 150-152 club as well. They have a lot of great information to share.

Skyhigh

SkyHigh

Our local school wants $105 per hour for a 152 and there is a school near Seattle that wants $118 for a 152.

What are you guys seeing out there for pricing?

Skyhigh

Grumble

Hence why I say the experimental world is going to be the saving grace of GA. You can get a nice RV-6 or RV-7 for $50-80K, cruise at 170kts on 8gph, and if you're the builder, your maint and annual costs are a small fraction of a production airplane.

tortue

If AOPA really cared perhaps they could fill their magazines with useful content instead of giant multiple-page articles written about aircraft that only the rich can afford. Is this supposed to be masturbation material for the GA community? Sure, they have a few articles from some well known names but for the most part its barely decent bathroom reading material when you have to drop the kids off at the pool.

FLYING surprisingly is a little bit better. One of the last issues I saw had an article on buying tips for Cessna Cardinals. That's useful information for someone on a budget looking to buy an older plane. Sure, they have a few reviews of aircraft you'll never touch, but I'd kind of expect that from a magazine you have to pay for at a store.

As for the rates or aircraft, how much is that due to insurance these days? I hear the FBO's pay 4x the amount a regular person would have to pay. One thing that is pretty obnoxious is hangar/tie-down prices. I know a few cities where you have to drive 1-2 hours out to the sticks to find decent prices.

zondaracer

Tucson, $108/hr wet

clipperskipper

Thanks I'll check them out. There are two 152's at PYM flight school, $83/hr. Flying clubs are often the way to go, but then again my Cessna came from a club due to member attrition.

Insurance goes up 10X when the aircraft goes out for hire/training etc, simply add a zero to your current premium. I don't charge for training, hence my low premium, gas money always welcome.