I think the reason why youngsters are not following into aviation is because of the flying schools who continue to operate old and shabby 1960-70's aeroplanes. I often go to Shoreham for a cup of coffee and a cake and there are two schools there who have bothered to update with modern aircraft, with modern looks and modern equipment, namely DA40, DA42 and Tecnam P2008 and they seem to be doing better than the others.
They are offering training in nice new aeroplanes for costs that are comparable with the knackered looking C150/152 of other operators.
The iPad generation expect glass cockpits and some style. Increasingly they can get this in the VLA/LSA and microlight aircraft at a fraction of the cost. A look at how many active Ikarus C42, Evektor EuroStar etc are flying shows that there are plenty of people flying for fun from grass strips.
You don't see Driving Schools offering lessons in 1960's cars so why does aviation training continue to think it is acceptable/desireable to use 1960' aeroplanes?
Last edited by surely not; 8th Dec 2014 at 12:57.
Reason: edited to rectify some awful spelling mistakes!!