Holy Cow! Costs Are Getting Crazy!!

My exit from the incredibly fun world of aviation is looming, and as I look at the cost of owning an airplane it has become clear to me that it’s now beyond the means of the average middle class American. 

I used to feel sorry for the Europeans as they dealt with oppressive government control and insanely high costs. For 20 years I’ve enjoyed the freedom of flying in the USA. But now costs have pushed it up above my income’s ceiling. 

An oil change with multigrade oil used to cost me $50, doing it myself. Now it’s $100. Fuel was $2.50, now it’s $5.00. Forget 20% inflation, in aviation it’s 100%+. Back in 2005 I bought a pair of mags and a harness for $1100.00. Today ONE MAG is $2500. We are talking 5x. 

I just saw an ad for a Stratux USB power port for your panel. $399!  I know of a coupe that mounted a USB power port in a small plastic box and mounted it by a Stratux for power. $15. 

I’ve loved my time flying. I’m not sure exactly when my plane will go in the market, but it won’t be too long. I’m going to feel like I’m missing a part of me when it’s gone. I understand now how the people feel when they won’t sell their plane but can’t afford to fly it, so it sits. That I won’t do. 

Sorry to vent. I’m sad and a little angry. It shouldn’t be like this in America.