On Wed, 20 Apr 2005 09:14:46 +0000 (UTC), (G Farris)
wrote in ::

They list 47000 pilots, plus another 13000 glider pilots. As many of the
glider pilots may also be included in the first figure (redundancy) and the
discussion is not particularly centered on gliding, I propose we simply ignore
the 13000 figure for the purposes of this discussion, and consider the number
to be 47000. Divided into the overall population figure of almost 60M, this
yields 1 pilot for 1275 pop. The US figure, I believe is about 800000 pilots,
for nearly 300M population - or 1 pilot per 375 pop - 3 1/2 times as many.
Approximately 50% of US pilots are instrument rated, compared with 15% of
French pilots. If you exclude airline pilots, the percentage of IR rated PPL's
in France is anecdotal.


If your French statistics are as incorrect as what you believe US
pilot statistics to be, it might be better to completely disregard
your conclusions. You'll find up to date US information he
http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/factcard.pdf