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[stuff deleted]
Although some of what Bret said is pretty outrageous, I do believe that general aviation would be better off if flight training emphasized the "sport" aspect more and the "travel" aspect less. I agree completely. When I started out, I had the impression that light airplanes were much more capable than they really are. I think this is an important point. The flight schools are trying to stay afloat and emphasize the "utility" of flying light airplanes. Their instructors have their sights on flying big iron. Both do a disservice to students when they don't stress the limitations of these planes. Pilots tempt fate by challenging weather that is inappropriate for their skills and these airplanes perhaps in part because the school and the instructors don't do enough to stress these limits. Neither one wants to scare away students and be put out of business. It is a fine line. Once I attained an instrument rating, it really became obvious on how limited these planes really were. Everyone said that an instrument rating would INCREASE the airplane's utility. I found that it did nothing of the sort. Flying in the clouds in winter often means icing and in the summer, thunderstorms. Adding in all sorts of modern gadgets may help you stay out of trouble (if you actually use them and heed their information), but you still end up on the ground waiting out the weather. So, safety can go way up but UTILITY is still not there. Sure, you can now see the pretty satellite downloaded image of the weather in your path, but you still have to fly around it. Given the high possibility of not making the planned flight, many choose not to go. For those who like "adventure" and are willing to sit in an airport for several hours or days to complete a flight, have a ball. I have had lively discussions about the above view. Usually it is with those who are in denial and want to keep the dream alive of a "personal airliner" in their mind's eye. After all, if you cannot really look forward to USING these things, what would be the point in the time and expense to fly? The answer is: you better love flying for its own sake (which some call "sport flying"). Good Luck, Mike |
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