[Akroguy]

Since I've been flying for only four years, I can only offer my experiences, and personal solutions to the difficulties with GA. I received my private instruction at the Air Force Aero Club at our local AFB. I felt it was high quality training, and the instructors were held to higher standards that I've seen in the local FBO operations. Not only were they more reliable and disciplined, but they expected ME to be the same. I highly recommend the Part 141 way of learing to fly. There is a regimented process to it that did not allow great deviations in topics presented in flight, nor during ground school. I always knew what was coming up, and was prepared. I only had to "fire" an instructor once. I just felt his heart wasn't into it, and it affected MY morale as well. Since I was paying for it...I chose another CFI..an active duty F-15 pilot with an obvious passion for flying.

My post training flying is now done at a local FBO. It has been a never ending rollercoaster of maintenance squawks, scheduling difficulties, and vague currency requirements that seem to come out of nowhere. So, two years ago, I chose to build my own plane. I am now within a few months of being ready for FAA inspection on my RV8. I just looked at the long term expenses to keep myself interested and excited with aviation. Since all maintenance will be done by myself, my costs will be MUCH less to support the aircraft. I will not have to deal with scheduling of someone else's airplane, nor will I have to put up with a dirty interior, or empty tanks during preflight when I TOLD them I needed it fully fueled the previous day.

Yes, GA has some serious issues to deal with. I do enjoy the "uniqueness" of the pilot community, and I do not feel that everyone should be given the keys to go flying. I offer rides to anyone who is interested, including kids via the YOung EAgle program. I don't "push" my love of flying on anyone, and let them make their own decision to fly or not to fly. Just take good care of yourselves in the air, be courteous, expect the best from yourself and those you associate with in aviation. GA will survive from the ground up if we all strive to do this. OK, enough of my views. Fly safe!