Don't say its money... It is less than $3k for a sport license in the US. What would entice people to go out and learn how to do this? Its not as hard as most people think and safety isn't really an issue. You are much more likely to die in a car accident (deaths happen every hour of the day in the US alone.) I want to hear the real reason why people just don't go out to the local airport, find a flight instructor and take a few lessons???
2007-01-26 13:06:58 · 10 answers · asked by Beth R 2 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
For all of the reasons that you listed...Fear-even in spite of the statistics, people tend to be terrified of flying. And there is a perception that flying is difficult, expensive, and few people know someone who is a pilot.
The arguments that you present in response to these answers (which it sounds like you have heard before) may be very true, but often people's perceptions are not grounded in fact...that is probably the "real" reason why flying is not a more popular hobby.
2007-01-26 13:12:39 · answer #1 · answered by ambr123 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll never spend more money to scare yourself silly. Take an introductory flight and find out if you're cut out to have the airplane be a living, breathing machine that responds to your every input. If you can handle the instructor telling you "smoothly apply full power and hold the centerline, rotate at 60 knots," the first time out, you could probably handle being a pilot. The next thing, is to get a good idea of how much it will cost to become a pilot and decide if you can afford it or if you need to wait until you can afford it. Take what the flight school quotes you, round up a few thousand dollars, and you'll have a good idea of what the cost is going to be. As to the cost of the plane, until you've got some time, experience and money isn't a factor, renting is the way to go. If you can find a school that rents "wet" aircraft that's the way to go, unless you happen to know of an FBO where you can get a better deal on fuel than they can. Fly the Friendly Skies! JT
2016-05-24 03:48:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To get a pilot's license, you must log many hours with a flight instructor, which cost quite a bit of money and requires lots of time. You also must pass a series of in-air tests, both with an instructor and solo. I think Federal law still requires an annual physical by an approved physician (many current pilots were relieved a few years ago when the rectal exam was taken off of the list of requirements) and annual flight evaluation exams to keep the license.
Once you do get your license and maintain it, you must also consider the cost of buying a plane, maintaining it, storing it, fueling it, and insuring it, all of which are higher than for most cars.
Even with all that aside, if you have the resources, small personal planes aren't even as consistently useful as a car. Weather conditions, flight paths, airport clearance, and fuel usage estimates must all correlate, or the trip is off. Weather can't be changed. And all that math, ek. Just drive there, and stop for a burger and some gas along the way!
2007-01-26 16:17:09 · answer #3 · answered by katherine209 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, for alot of people, $3K IS alot of money. Many families just don't have that kind of disposable income just laying around, with nothing planned for it. And the $3K is just the tip of the iceberg, with any hobby, as you get more and more proficient, you want the tools that will allow you to perform better. The $3K licence then turns into training for the VFR licence, and then your IFR licence. Next thing, you want your own plane, complete with hangar fees, etc., etc., etc.
Also, many people just don't feel the need to do it. It's like any hobby, there are those who just absolutely love it, and those who think that people are nuts to spend that much time and money on something as silly as flying an airplane.
Fear is also a factor, there are people who still think that flying is dangerous. I don't think you're going to get around that either.
2007-01-27 03:52:14 · answer #4 · answered by basketcase88 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My hubby would like to learn to fly a plane, but the money is just not in the cards. So the reason IS money. I actually know a lot of people that feel the same way. That is a lot of money to spend on a hobby when a lot of times there are just more important things like making sure bills are paid and food is on the table and other needs are met.
2007-01-26 13:36:51 · answer #5 · answered by Amanda&Chloe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's all right if you live in the US but in the UK when my husband got his licence 10 or 12 years ago it cost about £10k which is a lot of money. Heaven knows what it costs now. For some people $3k is probably a lot of money and learning to fly is a fairly low priority for most people.
2007-01-26 23:51:40 · answer #6 · answered by gerrifriend 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For my 40th Bday i took a free lesson and i loved it. However, the idiots on the road are in the air too. One small fender bender on the ground is nothing. One small error in the air can be death.
2007-01-26 13:31:44 · answer #7 · answered by sushimaven 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well if you dont like going to the airport yout can fly a rc airplane at the park or in the backyard
2007-01-26 14:05:15 · answer #8 · answered by dingo7222 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The real reason...Look at all the idiots on the road, could you imagine that in the sky?
2007-01-26 13:14:28 · answer #9 · answered by ♥ Mary ♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not everyone can afford a plane, and why have a hobby you can never enjoy?
2007-01-26 13:14:34 · answer #10 · answered by Dmitri 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋