Attrition rate
Like so many, I couldn't afford to learn to fly but scraped through to get my PPL.
When it came through the door it was a big anti-climax simply because I had no idea what I was going to do with it now that I had it.
A young family ruled out the ever-increasing cost of hire. How could I justify blowing the equivalent of a weeks groceries on an hours flying. How could I enjoy it?
Lack of currency - especially in the early days - means lack of confidence and an ever increasing likelihood of quitting
Cost share? Forget it. Its legal but very few people are prepared to put their hands in their pockets.
For me, the salvation came in the form of a flying group. Part ownership of an aircraft, no matter how small, gives you a sense of purpose, a group of like-minded mates to fly with and a 'part' of the aviation scene beyond hiring an aircraft from a club.
Its a nice day - you want to fly now. You don't want to think to yourself, its a nice day - I'll take the next available booking in 2 weeks time....
The bug doesn't really bite hard until you have flown over the Channel or completed that first 'magic' trip. You feel chuffed with yourself, you flew well, have stories to tell in the clubhouse - all leans towards you becoming one of those who keep flying.
Lets be clear though - flying aint cheap. If you set out to operate on a shoe string then be prepared for the occasional big, unexpected bill. If you aint got the money maybe you shouldn't start in the first place.
Flying is an expensive luxury, make no mistake.
I went through periods of flying very little - the money was needed elsewhere.
Fortunately, nearly 30 years later, I am as keen as I ever was and fortunately can afford to fly my own aircraft whenever I want - all beyond my wildest dreams at the time.
I have taken many people for their first flight ever in anything. To me, that is the biggest buzz of all.
in the words of Brendan O'Brien, 'Aeroplanes - the most exciting machines made by man'...
It says it all.
Stick with it!
HP