I was told recently by an industry professional that the practice of renting planes to the public is a failed business model. I did not believe it so I made a few calls and it seems to be true.

AOPA and the National Association of Flight Instructors realize it as well. Traditional mom and pop flight schools are fading away. In their place factory style flight academy's are taking over and that works for the professionally minded pilot but not for the hobby guy who wants to rent planes after graduation.

As a result AOPA is starting to focus on non-profit flight clubs as a way to perpetuate general aviation. I believe that we are on the precipice of massive change in GA. In addition the 1500 hour rule could have effects that few now can predict. In any case GA as we have known it for the last 50 years is changing.

Skyhigh