PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Are the Halcyon Days of Private Flying Over?
Old 23rd Jun 2008, 10:59
  #20 (permalink)  
Fuji Abound
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: UK
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Well here is my view.

We all know the economy is fragile.

For most flying is a leisure activity - and these are usually the first to suffer.

In addition, many other leisure providers are able to reduce their fees to encourage participation. For example, you will hardly find a golf course now that charges a joining fee. However, most aviation providers are already living close to the margin so there is very little scope for reducing their rates any further.

Whilst some the changes proposed by EASA may reduce the regulatory burden, regulatory changes in any industry produce uncertainty and an initial increase in costs.

In many parts of Europe GA is almost dead. For example Calais has two aero clubs - both have ceased to trade. Their is only one active club on the airfield which operates microlights and even then "active" is a relative word.

For these reasons and others in the short term I would conclude the future is not bright.
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