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Unfortunately most private pilots learn to fly to go quickly to exotic places with an air of romantiscism. They don't realize that requires an extreme amount of training, time, capital, and dedication. A single engine 4place airplane is not really an all weather, affordable, reliable means of transportation for someone who is going to fly 100 hours a year. People are unrealistic in their expectations. They also buy much more airplane than they can afford to maintain in a proper fashion. Unfortunately you can't change the laws of physics; there will never in the near future at least be a $50,000 4 place 200mph airplane that burns 7gals/hr AND is easy to fly. When Joe public keeps running out of gas, flying VFR into IFR, and generally running up insurance rates and liability policies for manufacturers, why does anyone think this will get better with a new breed of high performance airplanes. More performence comes from giving up something else, Slow speed stability, climb rate, light weight from lack of sound deadening,etc.,. Aviation is as cheap today adjusted for inflation as it ever was. The big surge in private airplane sales have always been coupled with a government training program (GI bill WWII and Vietnam) along with very aggresive tax incentives. Take these away and sales drop(big surprise). The only segment of private aviation thriving is grass roots type; aerobatics, homebuilding, and classic resoration. These are not and should not be mainstream activities. There is quality instruction available if one searches it out. If you're not able to look out for youself on the ground, how can you expect someone to teach you common sense to handle flight situations. I think the average public is getting the quality of service they deserve. I see a LOT of people with sad basic skills flying around. But noone wants to bruise their ego because they spend money with the fbo,cfi,etc.,. I don't have an answer , but i know that these abstract thoughts are much of the problem.
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