Michel Talon wrote:
Mike Schumann wrote:
GA isn't growing either. The number of student pilot licenses issued has
dropped over 20% in the last few years. One of the leading flight schools
in the Twin Cities (Wings) has just closed as a result.

Mike Schumann


Of course. People practising such activities tend to be wealthier than
the average, and so sincerely believe that cost is not a problem. They
are completely overlooking the fact that they belong to an extremely
small minority, and that for the vast majority of people, aviation
activities are completely cost forbidden.

A large number of students/pilots (for the full range of ratings)
have also come from foreign countries for training in the USA,
historically. That was reduced greatly after 9/11. This has to have
some effect on the referenced statistics. Some training
establishments have gone out of business as a direct result of the
loss of foreign students.

"The vast majority of people" are not those with whom we are
concerned, nor is it very expensive to get training in a glider up
through the PP-G rating. Familiarity with the opportunity and the
motivation to put aside the other temptations offered by our very
comfortable society are the main factors, IMO. Those who are by no
means "wealthier than average" are today often found to be enjoying
flat screen TV's which cost as much as the training for a private
pilot certificate in a glider.

Get people into a glider and familiarize them with what they can do
as a glider pilot, and you'll recruit them. Watch those commercial
and club operations which continue to thrive and emulate them. This
is not a systemic problem so much as a problem at the local club
grassroots level. People who would otherwise be flying Cessnas, but
think it's too expensive today, should be flying sailplanes.

Show them the pure, eco-friendly freedom of sailplane flight and
you'll hook them in great numbers. Our club needs a couple more
modern two-seaters. I'd bet your does, too. And when you get these
new people, keep them by emphasizing cross-country flying. Don't let
them slip away out of boredom from being tethered to the windsock.


Jack