Originally Posted by
peekay4
I don't see a ton of flight schools making a lot of money. Margins are tight these days.
Besides insurance and general inflation, 100LL prices have skyrocketed. Today a student in a 172 might burn $50/hr just in gas. Back in the 90s, you can fly a nice twin for like $45/hr wet (all inclusive) and the school can still make money. It's a different world now.
When I needed flight time I joined the CAP. A very capable organization. I still fly for them. However gas did not cost $5 or more, only $1. Flight time for the airplane (172) was $35 an hour. Very doable. Now it is beyond ridiculous and I don't see how anyone can afford it, especially at the rates the flight schools charge.