I believe LSA is the way to go, but that does not necessarily mean
operating under the sport pilot rules. This could be the single most
important factor for rescuing GA from dying. Anyone can fly the LSA,
even under IFR, and is a much more economical option than the normal
category airplanes. Our club recently got rid of the 172 and bought a
brand new LSA, with a fully loaded panel, and the response has been
very positive. The airplane is being flown significantly more than the
other airplanes. The hourly cost is $50/hr tach which is almost half
that of the 172. For two people flying, you can't beat the price to
performance ratio. With more LSA coming into the scene, I see a bright
future ahead.




On Jul 31, 8:53 am, Jay Honeck wrote:
I'm just trying to start a conversation here. I'm excited personally about
my re-instated medical and getting back in the air, but at the same time,
I'm concerned that status quo isn't gonna cut it anymore.

Great post, Jeff. You're on the right track.

Kyle's point about flight training is also critical. We've got the
same situation in Iowa City, saddled with an FBO that sees flight
training as a "loser" and has raised rates accordingly. The result is
precisely what they desired: Less flight training.

This short-term thinking is going to have very bad results in the near
future. When asked about using LSAs for training, to keep costs down,
their answer was blunt and to the point: We don't do that.

My advice? Mentor your friends. I've personally mentored two people
from zero to Private, and am working on the third -- my son. IMHO if
we don't individually take responsibility for this situation -- each
of us, right now -- GA is going to die right before our eyes.

Congrats on being back in the sky -- and hope to see you at NEXT
year's HOPS party!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"