Rustle,
I understand that circumstances change for many people due to work/wife/motivation etc but I cannot believe that these changes happen to most post qual PPL's within a year of achieving thier licence.
The rental issue, now thats something else.
If all you want is the odd hour then I cannot see it being too much of a problem but longer trips or a weekend away, yes, I agree.
The cost issue is a big one though and Englishal hits the nail on the head with his comparisons of FAA v CAA/JAA and the respective approaches to furthering your skills.
I wont be able to afford a share once qualified (well not for a good while) so would like to see what it is that causes this drop out rate and if I am likely to fall victim to it myself.
This is something I have wanted to do since I was 4 years old so cannot forsee myself tiring of the thrill but the figures quoted set me thinking.