What GA needs

Gig 601XL Builder wrote:

You have just hit on the instant gratification problem which might be the
real root cause of the downfall of aviation.

You have just mentioned the problem that's probably responsible for the
downfall of lots of activities that involve learning any sort of skill.

--Whiny voice on--

"It's too complicated!"
"Awww... Do I HAVE to do it again?"
"Who has time for THAT?"

--Whiny voice off--

I see it in woodworking, craft hobbies, even bicycling.

In recent years, the radio control flying hobby has been flooded with
models built in Chinese factories, so participants don't have to "waste"
time building (and therefore learning to repair) a model. Lots of
people who didn't "waste" even more time learning how to fly, fly them
once and crash, then give up the hobby.

No matter how money much we spend on a bicycle, riding it probably won't
be all that enjoyable if we don't ride on a regular basis.

I've read that the #1 leisure time activity in the USA is shopping. 8^(

On the other hand, I don't necessarily put the exotic car club in the
same category, due to the ability for a true enthusiast to drive a
diverse set of vehicles. I'd put it more toward a good flying club that
has aircraft available for a variety of different missions.

I would definitely extend the need for instant gratification to the
sub-prime mortgage debacle. Nothing down? Ridiculously low payment?
Why read the paperwork or pay an attorney to explain it to me in plain
English? I also see it with people who are willing to hand their entire
life's savings to some investment advisor without putting any effort
into learning about the products the money gets invested in.

On Sep 11, 8:54 am, B A R R Y wrote:

I see it in woodworking, craft hobbies, even bicycling.

I can tell you that among photographers, the people who really get
into it get into it with a mad passion, debating each and every little
minute detail. The other day I read a thread on another group that
went on for days and got into the elementary physics of how digital
imaging sensors work. This is a hard-core group. (These are dSLR
people, not point-and-shooters, for the record.)

Similarly, here in Silicon Valley, I know lots of people who bicycle
with an odd ferocity. A century ride every weekend, a few hundred
miles during the week, constant tinkering and upgrading, all dinner
party conversation about the next race or triathlon. As a recreational
rider who has not gotten bitten by this particular bug, I can tell
you, it can be pretty boring to hang out with these guys!

My wife, also a youngster by aviation standards is really into dance.
She did ballet since forever, and now, even though she has a career
that has nothing to do with dance, she still goes to take classes a
several times a week. Easily enough time to become and remain
proficient in an aircraft. So here's a counterexample showing that
commitment still does exist!

Interestingly, the first two of these hobbies can easily cost a
serious amateur $5000/yr. That is very close to, if not well into
flying territory.

I would definitely extend the need for instant gratification to the
sub-prime mortgage debacle. Nothing down? Ridiculously low payment?

Don't get me started on that! I agree with you. That we are starting
to bail these people out makes me wretch. Everyone who knew their
limits and did not participate is punished, and the people who
overstretched get free help from Uncle Sam. This is not going to
encourage healthy behavior.

-- dave j

"B A R R Y" wrote in message
t...
Gig 601XL Builder wrote:


I've read that the #1 leisure time activity in the USA is shopping. 8^(

Not TV?