Readback: June 2014

I read with interest-and a chuckle at the question why no one wants to be a pilot today-your editorial, Pilot Shortage Arrives in April 2013. Bottom line is that its just too damned expensive. Getting into the game costs tens of thousands and takes precious time people do not have these days. They see no value in being a pilot. People today have many alternatives for their hard-earned discretionary/recreational funds.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The high cost of initial training and ongoing aircraft ownership/maintenance is a major deterrent contributing to the pilot shortage and lack of interest in aviation.
Flight simulators are valuable tools for pilots to practice dangerous maneuvers, explore challenging scenarios, and maintain proficiency, potentially reducing training costs, despite limitations in simulating specific aircraft configurations.
Pilots must use the minimums for a higher approach category if their aircraft's operating speed exceeds its certified category limits during an approach, as stipulated by the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).
Guidance on procedure turns includes clarification of unofficial terms like "PT fix altitude" and "PT completion altitude," and emphasizes flexible execution from holding patterns while maintaining situational awareness and staying within protected airspace.

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It’s Too Expensive, That’s Why
I read with interest—and a chuckle at the question why no one wants to be a pilot today—your editorial, “Pilot Shortage Arrives” in April 2013. Bottom line is that it’s just too damned expensive. Getting into the game costs tens of thousands and takes precious time people do not have these days. They see no value in being a pilot. People today have many alternatives for their hard-earned discretionary/recreational funds.

I’ve been flying 20 years, am instrument rated and have a 40+ year-old Piper. I fly 30-40 hours in a good year and am spending more money, way too much money, to support my addiction than is reasonable. Hangar fees, annuals, parts, certifications and cost of databases are outrageous by themselves without adding the cost of my FAA medical, insurance and breathtakingly expensive gas. Why would anyone in their right mind get involved in something that costs tens of thousands to enter and then thousands of dollars a year for a handful of hours of enjoyment?
Me? I’m addicted. I’ll keep throwing money down the rat hole until the FAA cuts me off at the medical knees. Rehab is out of the question for me.