Does flying lack value?
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Does flying lack value? In talking to a pilot friend I hadn’t seen in a while, the topic of flying came up, of course.
He mentioned he wasn’t flying and wanted to buy an airplane, but didn’t want anything he could afford. His tastes were beyond his budget and he would rather go without than comprise.
In this particular case we have a fully rated, experienced pilot that isn’t flying at all. So is it really about owning the right airplane or something else? He has access to a wide range of nice rentals in our area. Certainly renting would be far cheaper for him than owning.
Our conversation was cut short before I could probe further, that’s unfortunate because I’m really intrigued by this mentality. I wonder, how common is this line of thinking?
I could be judgmental and say he simply lacks passion or imagination and that may be true, but I feel like there’s something larger at play here; more like a general perceived lack of value in flying..
In today’s world there are so many interests competing for our time that it begs the question; does flying provide enough value to justify the time and money?
This is one if the reasons more socially connected pilot communities flourish, belonging provides the additional value-add that tips the scales.
Want to fix the pilot problem? We have to build local communities of pilots where everyone feels like they are part of something bigger than themselves. You might have heard me harp about this in previous posts, but it’s still true and conversations like this reminds me that we are not growing as an industry.
I honestly believe this would fix my friend’s problem of choosing not to fly. The good news is there are several people working on ‘plug-and-play’ local organizations/clubs to do just that – AOPA and Aviation Access are two that are working this actively . The EAA long ago recognized this and their successful chapter network has kept a lot of folks flying over the years. (See related article here)
It won’t be an easy task, but there are some really large untapped markets out there ripe for this kind of nudge in the right direction. Once it gets started, it can be self-sustaining – the old adage, “a crowd draws a crowd” fits here.
Does flying lack value for you?
I’m optimistic.
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If he joined a flying club or partnership, then he could fly the plane that is out of his budget. Personally, sole ownership of my plane is my preferred way to fly.
Glenn,
I’m with you. I prefer sole ownership too. Maybe that’s the hangup. Folks, especially in America, are not really wired as well for sharing or partnerships or even clubs to some extent.
Brent
Good article Brent. You hit the nail on the head. A close community of pilot friends is a strong draw. As you stated in your unfriendly airport article, airport operators themselves seem to drive the look and feel of the pilot community culture. I don’t totally understand why the airport managers/staff at some airport seem to almost try to make you feel unwelcome. Maybe its because many of them are not pilots themselves. Offering them a ride once in a while might help.
As our good friend Chox used to say to his wife when leaving for the airport, “I’m headed to the airport where people understand me”
Dana,
Thanks! Good words my friend! It’s such an enigma, these airport operators. I love Tom’s quote too! Perfect!
Brent
But that’s the choice that most of us need to make, isn’t it? A partnership to get yourself into something faster, larger, fancier, etc or sole ownership of something more modest.
Maybe it is something else. Maybe there’s some trepidation about buying or ownership that your friend has not admitted. I had a great support structure when I bought my airplane and, without it, I may not have gotten very far.
Does flying have value for me? Absolutely! Incalculable value. But I don’t expect everyone to see or understand that value, either.
Chris,
You are so right. Everyone’s situation is unique. Thanks for sharing your personal experience! Good stuff!
Brent