Even high end toys / endeavors are in danger. General Aviation is dying, no new pilots. New aircraft are un-afforable and have been so since the late 60’s as Burt Rutan has noted in his forum. Used aircraft sometimes are less expensive than a Harley or Muscle Car, but maintenance and hangar fees etc are killers. It does not bode well for those that will want to go on vacation in 10 years, as professional pilots will be in short supply.
Despite it all, I still hope to try for a pilot’s license. Next year, maybe.
I rent. At $150/hr wet, I can afford to go once or twice a month without putting much of a strain on the budget.
General Aviation is dying,
Aint that the truth, we only have about 5 or 6 student pilots at WHP right now. I can remember being Number 15 Downwind at Van Nuys many years ago when I got my ticket. Today NONE, and about 5 at Whiteman.