USA Today .. Positive GA Pub

Tony writes:

In the United States, there are several million (at least) people who
if they wanted a $400,000 airplane could just write a check for it.

One percent, you mean? So that means that 99% of the population is
excluded from GA. It might be hard to drum up sympathy for GA in that
99%.

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Gig 601XL Builder writes:

Yet another example of you taking one statement out of many and basing your
entire argument on it. As Judah wrote in the post you replied to an very
serviceable aircraft can be perchased for much less than $200,000.

As I've pointed out "less than $200,000" is not materially different
from $200 million for much of the American population. A lot of
Americans today can barely pay their rent, thanks to the continuing
evaporation of the middle classes.

And since
the article was about people that have real jobs and own real businesses the
fact that aircraft are available at a price that most with the need could
afford would be a nice addition to what was otherwise a pretty good article.

Very few people own their own businesses. Of those who do, only a
fraction can afford aircraft (and the license to pilot them). The
situation is even worse for people who are simply employees. However,
even the poorest people can vote.

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writes:

I rent airplanes for $79/hr and one can find a nice IFR equipped 152
for $25k or less.

Not everyone lives in an area where they can rent aircraft for $79 per
hour, and a 152 may not suit everyone's requirements. And even at
these prices, they are out of reach for many Americans.

I started with nothing and now have a job paying in the mid-$50s
that allows me to fly around 90/hrs per year.

So you need $55,000 to fly for one percent of your time. Sounds like
an awfully expensive hobby to me.

Obtaining a job that pays $50k/hr or more is doable by anybody
of average intelligence that is willing to work.

If only that were true.

I'm under 30 yrs old and have a college degree, my private, instrument,
and am working on my commercial - all paid for in cash (no debt).

Enjoy it while you can.

Quit feeling sorry for yourself and get a job that pays.

I haven't said anything about myself.

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Read the damn post. I said that fraction could write a check for a
$400,000 airplane. Tell me how that excludes 99% from GA. It excludes
them from buying for cash a $400,000 airplane.




On Jan 18, 6:42 pm, Mxsmanic wrote:
Tony writes:
In the United States, there are several million (at least) people who
if they wanted a $400,000 airplane could just write a check for it.One percent, you mean? So that means that 99% of the population is
excluded from GA. It might be hard to drum up sympathy for GA in that
99%.

--
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Judah writes:

In 2004 the median US Income was reported as $43,389. Certainly someone
earning $43,389 might have trouble paying for a $200,000 loan for a Cessna
172SP, unless he planned to make it into a 30 year mortgage.

However, he would probably be able to afford the loan on a used model 172
that he bought through www.aso.com for $34,500 - the lowest priced 172
currently listed there. With $4,500 down, the monthly payment for a 7 year
loan on the balance would be about $450/month.

I know several people who earn about that and pay more for their car...

They get a lot more use out of their car than they could ever get out
of an aircraft.

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Tony writes:

Read the damn post. I said that fraction could write a check for a
$400,000 airplane. Tell me how that excludes 99% from GA. It excludes
them from buying for cash a $400,000 airplane.

Try to be nice. As I've said, the majority of the population that
doesn't have access to GA, or isn't interested in it, is still a
population that can vote. If you have a poor attitude, they may
outlaw GA one day.

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Mxsmanic wrote in
:

Tony writes:

In the United States, there are several million (at least) people who
if they wanted a $400,000 airplane could just write a check for it.

One percent, you mean? So that means that 99% of the population is
excluded from GA. It might be hard to drum up sympathy for GA in that
99%.

99% of the population in the USA can't write a check to purchase a home
either. Does that mean that 99% of the population is excluded from home
ownership? It sure doesn't seem that way from the statistics.

GA Pilots aren't looking for sympathy. We are looking for accurate reporting.

One sim pilot seems to be looking for sympathy. Maybe it's a Sim Pilot thing.

Mxsmanic wrote:
writes:

I rent airplanes for $79/hr and one can find a nice IFR equipped 152
for $25k or less.

Not everyone lives in an area where they can rent aircraft for $79 per
hour, and a 152 may not suit everyone's requirements. And even at
these prices, they are out of reach for many Americans.

Yes, and riding motorcycles is also out of reach of "many Americans".
Doesn't mean motorcycling is only for the rich. BTW, I had those
rental prices in South FL and Denver, CO. They are current prices and
those two areas have a relatively high cost of living. If you live in
an area that is too expensive for your happiness, you move. Nobody's
forced to live in a certain area in the US.


I started with nothing and now have a job paying in the mid-$50s
that allows me to fly around 90/hrs per year.

So you need $55,000 to fly for one percent of your time. Sounds like
an awfully expensive hobby to me.

Huh? I paid off my car in cash, I travel, I go out with my friends, I
have a savings account, etc. I gave my income (which is median where I
live) as an example of the median income person being able to fly with
no debt. I certainly don't come anywhere close to spending all my
money on flying.


Obtaining a job that pays $50k/hr or more is doable by anybody
of average intelligence that is willing to work.

If only that were true.

Why isn't it true? Nobody paid anything for me after I was 18.
Nothing. No car, no insurance, no groceries, no books for college. I
did it all from scratch, and I'm just an average guy that worked hard.
I met a lot of people in school that did the same. America has its
problems, but hard work will always be rewarded here. The people that
complain seem to be lazy and expect things handed out to them and are
resentful of those that worked hard.


I'm under 30 yrs old and have a college degree, my private, instrument,
and am working on my commercial - all paid for in cash (no debt).

Enjoy it while you can.

Oh yeah? Is something going to happen? I've had more than my fair
share of tough life experiences. I don't let it slow me down.


Quit feeling sorry for yourself and get a job that pays.

I haven't said anything about myself.


Your constant whining says plenty.

Judah writes:

GA Pilots aren't looking for sympathy. We are looking for accurate reporting.

You don't necessarily want accurate reporting, if it creates the wrong
impression.

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In the United States, there are several million (at least) people who
if they wanted a $400,000 airplane could just write a check for it.


One percent, you mean? So that means that 99% of the population is
excluded from GA.

Only if being excluded is the same as not being able to buy a plane for
cash. I don't think they are equivalent.

Jose
--
He who laughs, lasts.
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