The most I have ever seen is a 3 hour per day. Just plan a farther trip to avoid it ha.

To me the flight school is like any other business. They are out there to make money. The owners have to make a living to.

Best way to cut down costs. Fly with another pilot. Cuts all costs in half.

The school that I rent from only requires one hour per day, but good luck getting a plane.

The biggest issues that we face:

EPA and their two pronged war against mogas and 100LL.

Torts - Why should the manufacturer be responsible for all crashes of their airplanes? GM isn't responsible if you crash a chevy cruise into a bank. If its not a defect of manufacturing or an issue that was hidden or unknown to the public, I don't see how the manufacturer should be liable.

Certified engines - Too costly. I don't see why an engine designed 60 years ago from basic materials needs to cost more than a brand new car designed 2 years ago.

The demise of the mom and pop school is a reality and is going to have a big impact. When I operated one we sold NOAA charts and were a Lasergrade testing Center. The Feds have now taken both of those away if you don't sell a certain amount. That revenue kept the lights on during Feb when we were snowed in.

On another note - the 5 hr mins I've seen are in DFW.

The mom and pops tend to have lower restrictions, but see note above.