Owning an aircraft is not the end-all be-all of aviation.

According to FAA numbers there are 618,633 total pilots and 209,700
aircraft.

Now to answer your questions.

How many young pilots would there be if they all had to buy one of these
new planes?

Probably a number close to zero.

How many would ever start flying when they realized they may never be able
to afford to own one?

I'd guess a number fewer than learn now but most who learn to fly won't ever
either be to afford on or choose not to afford one.

As far as that goes, how many stop training because of having to rent a
plane?

I'm sure that is one of the factors in the drop-out rate.

If the majority of us had to rent a car "all the time" would we bother
driving in the ?first place?

If I only had to drive 2 or 3 times a month AND the cost and maintenance of
a car were anywhere close to that of a plane hell yes I'd just rent.




"W P Dixon" wrote in message
...
How many young pilots would there be if they all had to buy one of these
new planes? How many would ever start flying when they realized they may
never be able to afford to own one? As far as that goes, how many stop
training because of having to rent a plane? If the majority of us had to
rent a car "all the time" would we bother driving in the first place? Just
something to ponder...

Patrick
student SPL
aircraft structural mech

"Gig 601XL Builder" wr.giacona@coxDOTnet wrote in message
newsnlOe.2847$Ix4.463@okepread03...

"John Doe" wrote in message
nk.net...



Aviation is getting old. I'm 40 now, and for 12 years have been the
youngest person hanging out at airport and the youngest person in my
EAA chapter. When a new guy shows up who's 28, he sees all the old
farts (maybe I'm one too in his eyes), and looks for a younger crowd to
hang with. This doesn't help.

KB


That's because the planes they're flying in are just as old. Some new
teenager or college student doesn't see much excitement when they come
out to the airport and they have to look at 1960s era Cessnas and they
wonder what's keeping the wings on.

Go to another FBO that has a fleet of new Cirrus or Diamond trainers and
you'll see a younger crowd.

This industry needs a major investment to retire all planes older than
20 years old and get some new metal on the ramp.


I think you are putting the effect before the cause. The FBO with the new
planes has them because the have pilots coming through. The fact that
they are young is just luck.