It's all getting scary.

You know, I had hoped that the Sport Pilot rage would help re-light a fire
in GA for the general public. But in my last trip to OSH, I was looking at
all the "Sport Pilot ready" planes (this was pre-release of the SP
rating/cat). Hoping to see where an average person could buy a plane for
the price of a really nice bass boat, I was definitely disappointed.

The cheapest Sport plane I saw there was still over $60k. Now, I know the
manufacturers have to make a profit (or at least pay the bills) and that
most of them will do good to sell 30 planes a year, but geez. You're note
going to attract a bunch of new interest at that kind of price tag. The
money is out there (look at the Harley Davidson craze of late) for people to
spend, but once you get past the $30-$40k range, you're outpricing the
masses.

We have an expensive hobby/lifestyle. Flying "for fun" is a huge expense
for most of us. I bought a 1967 C172 in September (3 years older than me)
and got a great price (low $30's). But that is for a 40 year old airplane
with issues of it's own.

I don't know what the answer is. Aviation is still an exciting thing for
the public. Airshows still pull in huge crowds. But to get in "the club"
you have to be willing to sink $6000 in training.....and I think most folks
would rather just watch.

IMHO,

jf