Some of the worst aircraft that I have been offered on rental were N Reg.

However, they were USA based.

The CAA and DfT have the mandate to legislate and require compliance. Some people have had a good few years taking advantage of FAA licensing in the UK and nothing lasts forever.

Now remind me, how many G-Reg aricraft are operated in the USA?

Well it might be true for some, but not necessarily for all.

I try to assess most things by "value" rather than cost - what do you get for what you pay?

I quit using a particular club because I thought their aricraft were rubbish and poorly maintained. I joined a nearby club with better maintained aircraft, and a better atmosphere with interested instructors - yes it cost more per hour, but it was worth it.

Mind you, if you have to scrape every penny together to fly, this isn't always possible, sadly.


GB

Getting back to what (I think) was the original question, I think the answer is to go by instinct.

Minor 'slip-ups' in maintenance are not necessarily serious (though they may be), but the critical point is how much attention you (the customer) is getting from the club or school (the supplier). Don't settle for second best. It's your hard earned money you're spending and you should make sure you give it to someone who takes you seriously as a fellow pilot. You can be sure that if they're not bothered to respond to your concerns over little things they'll also be unhelpful over things which are big (to you at leasr).

i've learned from experience that there are some wonderful people in aviation, and I'll go a long way to fly with, and learn from, them. And there are others who are fine in their way, but who I do not want to give my hard-earned cash.

So follow your instincts and move, you're sure to do better elsewhere.

Probably one of the best answers yet Footless.
Minor discr. are to be expected even on privately owned planes.
It's all about how you are treated as a member or customer.
Unfortunate if you have to drive a long way to the next airport though.



edit for spellcheck...:ok:

I speak (type?) from experience. i had exactly the same experience as you - my flying, my confidence and my enjoyment all went backwards as a result of trying to 'fit in' to an unsympathetic environment. Now I drive an extra hour each way so I can fly with, and learn from, people I respect and regard as friends.

Have to agree, have paid some pretty steep hourly rates for aircraft hire only to find INOP stickers over half the kit. £130+ for a PA28, in my books thats not running on a showstring.....its taking the p1ss.

I have now swapped clubs and drive nearly 2 hours instead of the previous 20mins down the road because of this. Although the club facilities are not as nice the aircraft are in a much better state and its an airport instead of a grass strip.

Another reason why flyers are opting for shared ownership I guess!