"Jack" wrote in message
...
C J Campbell wrote:

Okay, we have gone 'round and 'round about why new airplanes cost so
much....

[....]

Perhaps one reason demand is so low is because of the cost of becoming a
pilot.

So you're saying that because it costs $7,000 to become a pilot, people
are unwilling to spend $300,000 for an airplane.

I think we need to keep looking.

I think that there is a matter of functionality vs. cost vs. benefit.

Getting the best use from an airplane needs a reasonable level of skill.
That would be a current and practised instrument pilot.
It would also need a airplane that's also reasonably well equipped for the
job in hand.

Next you need a reason to use the aircraft so much in order to get so well
skilled.

I know with me, my wife hates flying and can barely bring herself to travel
on airlines let alone go in a small plane. In 20 years she has only been
with me in a SEPL twice.

My son enjoys flying and may one day take it up himself but does enjoy IMC
so if we go anywhere, then it has to be VMC.

The only other alternative is to get a divorce get a new family who like
travelling. The problem with that is that those pesky lawyers would ensure
that I could not afford a $20,000 plane let alone a $300,000.

For me $300,000 is a big investment, there is no way I could sensibly
justify the spend. Also AVGAS is $6 a gallon so the $100 hamburger is nearer
a $300 one.

cb