USMCFLYR,

I find it difficult to recommend aviation as a hobby unless the individual is financially well off or single. I frequently find myself in a position of trying to promote aviation to new flight students with a horrified spouse in the offing and I don't really know what to do about it.

I want to promote aviation but carry the knowledge that it is not all that realistic for most. Usually I answer questions as honestly and neutral as I can and let the reality sink in on its own. I don't oversell it at all and provide the harsh honest facts instead. Aviation as a hobby for a middle class family person seems selfish to me. It consumes too much of ones resources.

I realize the irony in that statement being that I am an aircraft owner, however my plane, training, and hangar have been paid off long ago. My costs are relatively slim when compared to most other hobbies that I could be doing. In addition the main reason why I own a plane is to help maintain professional credentials and currency as a pilot. I have never quit aviation but rather am forced to wait until a suitable job comes my way. My plane helps to keep that door open.

If I were to be evaluating aviation as a new hobby pilot today I certainly would not do it. The money could be put to better service by buying something my whole family would enjoy. I am a flight instructor and do actively instruct but will not let someone destroy themselves over it.

I will say that I am encouraged by light sport aviation and hope that it saves GA as we know it. Outside of that I think the sun is setting on GA and do not feel right about promoting it to just anyone as a hobby.

Skyhigh