IO, I sort of agree with you but sometimes feel that you make it sound more difficult than it really needs to be
Originally Posted by IO540
To get real European transport utility you more or less need an IR and a very capable plane, and very very few pilots, perhaps 1% of the PPL population, ever reach that stage. Even that you will never (short of a jet) reach the reliability of an airline. And obviously it works only between proper airports.
Depends what you mean by 'real' utility - You are right if you are talking about a very high despatch rate, but plan for flexibility (set your plans in custard rather than concrete) and it all becomes easier, less stressful and there's no desperate need for an IR or a funky aeroplane (although both are good to have,
For me, each year I get lots of UK away-day trips, a number of foreign get-aways each year, and one or two really nice flying holidays to warm places. But the last one is possible only because I can fly ~ 900nm in one go (5-6hrs).
There's really no need top have an aeroplane that will do 900nm in order to have a nice flying holiday somewhere warm. 5 - 6 hrs is way too long for a single leg anyway. It's a holiday, relax and enjoy the places and people you meet on the way.
Ian