Just when you think he couldn't get any more annoying....

[Henri Pablo]

Originally Posted by phoenix 23684

I know this sounds silly to most, but has anyone in here written an e-mail to the white house voicing their concerns, if we all did, it may send a message, specially to the media. Again everyone complains but do little, I challenge everyone that does not wish this to come true to do something about it. Write your local news, representatives, white house.

... I'm with you on that. Although I think contacting your local news might be like trying to influence the propaganda ministry. So, how about your elected representatives?

Here are 2 links:

1st: contact your congressman/congresswoman

http://www.congress.org/thenation/dbq/officials/

1. Enter your zip (might have to know the 4-digit extension)
2. Click the e-mail link under the rep's pix
3. Then pick the issue (in our case probably the last radio button at the bottom: 'Compose Your Own Letter'
   
   ... and have at it!

2nd: contact your senator:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contac...nators_cfm.cfm

1. pick a state
2. pick a senator
3. click on Web Form at the bottom of the info block
   
   ... and have at it!

If you find some better web based means of contacting them please post.

[pedro]

Originally Posted by trafficinsight

When I started, the 172 I was flying was 49$ an hour wet. That same airplane now is 85$ an hour wet...

I cant find those prices anywhere in Phoenix. A 172 tends to go for at least $110/wet here.

[trafficinsight]

Originally Posted by pedro

I cant find those prices anywhere in Phoenix. A 172 tends to go for at least $110/wet here.

It's kind of a unique situation, it's a club for San Jose State University students, staff, and alumni, and is a non-profit organization. They have two Cessna 152's and one Cessna 172, the 152's fly about 600hrs per year each and the 172 has topped 1200 hours in hot years. On average in the summer I do a 100hr inspection on the 172 every 3 to 4 weeks. Being a non-profit and Flying a lot keeps costs low.

[Seggy]

A link to fill out and send your support for this legislation...

http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/S1300

[JA Yawd Bwoy]

Originally Posted by pedro

I cant find those prices anywhere in Phoenix. A 172 tends to go for at least $110/wet here.

sorry, um what does wet mean?

[trafficinsight]

fuel included

[n57flyguy]

This just sucks even more...I'm writing to my congressman tomorrow

[Wittmandriver]

Originally Posted by kellwolf

I think the sad fact is that GA is ALREADY out of reach of Joe Average Middle Class.

That depends. What is "Average Middle Class"? Those that have the latest expensive electronic gizmos, boat, etc, and debt clear up to their ears? Then it is definitely out of reach. This is not for those guys/gals in the training environment-naturally you are flying and paying for way more hours than those that fly for pleasure. I fly my plane for $50-$60 per hour TOTAL(my avtar)-including projected maintenance (engine overhaul down the road, etc). I fly 10-12 hours per month. It all depends what you want to do. Do you want to keep up with the Jones's? Or, are you like me and are so obssessed with flying you'll sacrifice whatever it takes to do it. It is one of two hobbies I have and the other one is so cheap it is negligible.

So, it is not out of reach...it is just harder to get at than it used to be. EAA is trying to bring about the Sport Pilot initiative. The only thing lacking is a cheap plane. There are a lot of new ones to choose from, but they all cost the same. But, you can buy a used Champ, fly relatively cheap (5 gallons per hour), and have fun for $30K. That IS affordable, if you dump everything else. This has not changed since aviation was born-same thing I have been hearing since I got my license in '96.

I'd better start saving for my future flight training-those prices are ridiculous!

Wittmandriver

[ajn2003]

Anybody know what the presidential candidates stances are on this issue?

[tonyw]

Well, McCain's been pushing for user fees for years.

I have no clue why a guy who has as one of his claims to fame being a fighter pilot in Vietnam is so against GA.

[PCL_128]

Originally Posted by tonyw

Well, McCain's been pushing for user fees for years.

I have no clue why a guy who has as one of his claims to fame being a fighter pilot in Vietnam is so against GA.

McCain is against everything aviation, especially air line pilots.

[CaptainCrickettMan]

Originally Posted by PCL_128

McCain is against everything aviation, especially air line pilots.

He wont be getting my vote, that's for sure.