Flying has rarely been cheap, especially for individuals operating personal aircraft. However, taking to the sky as pilot in command is such a singular experience that most recreational aviators have no difficulty justifying the expense. Indeed, it seems that the more hours we log, the less we may feel obligated to justify it at all.
But even some of the most dedicated aircraft owners are feeling the squeeze these days, with the prices of so many things rising rapidly. Mainstream news covers increases in the cost of food, gasoline, new cars, used cars, and housing. To that list, pilots add hangar fees, avgas, spare parts, and the aircraft themselves, especially older, used models that were far more affordable just two or three years ago.
