Comments

Probably as many reasons as there are people that are interested in aviation but don't follow through. I don't fly as much as I once did. I still enjoy it but the cost is just getting more then I can justify. I can spend all day on my motorcycle for $30.00 to $40.00 in gas, as opposed to the $100.00 hamburger. The VOR and ADF at my airport do not work and will probably not be repaired, so instrument approach for me. I have a nice hand held GPS but can't afford a IFR legal panel mount. I used to enjoy giving rides but now fear of being sued for everything I have if something were to happen makes me very reluctant of giving rides. When I do fly it seems as though I don't see very many other planes up and about, certainly not like when I started. Less airports every year, and it seems more and more difficult to find instructors and rental planes. Plus while it has always been expensive, it seems to be getting much worse. The country is in a depression, and with the staggering amount of unemployment and underemployment how many people can really turn the dream into reality. I am slowly being squeezed out of aviation, so I could not fathom the cost of entry now, from student pilot to aircraft owner.. I can't remember all the folks I know that became pilots only to quit flying due to the cost or regulation. I don't mean to be so negative, but it is just very difficult to become and stay a pilot these days