Aerotrekking: Why isn't it cheaper?

[Larry Dighera]

Below is some information about a firm offering Trike training in the
southwest. Now that the Sport Pilot certificate exists, why does it
cost so much to attain?


http://www.aerotrekking.com/
What is Aerotrekking?

Aerotrekking is the art of low level flying by following the countour
[sic] of the ground. Flying at near-ground level creates a feeling of
being a part of the scenery - a connected sensation with the world you
are flying through. It is very different from the sense of being an
observer, which higher altitude flight creates.

http://www.aerotrekking.com/training/
Training courses are individually structured and integrates both
ground and flight instruction. For each training session, we use a
syllabus with specific objectives, and your progress is constantly
monitored. Instruction is on a one-to-one basis to ensure that you
receive the full benefit of our expertise, whatever your level of
experience.

Typically, a beginning student, with no prior flight experience, will
require from 10 to 20 hours of instruction prior to being able to fly
solo (without an instructor). Students wishing to carry passengers
must undergo additional training and pass the exam for a Sports
Pilot’s license.

The requirements for a sports pilot license are far less rigid and
time consuming than for a private pilot’s license. Most people take
the sports pilot exam after an additional 8 to 10 hours of instruction

Training costs

Dual Flight instruction (level 1-3) $160.00 per/hr
You will need a minimum of 15 hours of dual flight instruction to meet
the minimum for sport pilot, typically 2 -3 hours a day We have no
prerequisite hours to Solo. Solo is based on competency not time.

Solo Flight instruction $100.00 per/hr
You will need to log a min. of 5 hours solo also to meet the minimum
for sport pilot. You will need to log a min. of 20 hours solo before
being checked out to train in unstable conditions or wind over 10 mph
as well as our high performance aircraft. You must meet the financial
requirements of replacing the aircraft in the event you do not return
it in the value condition you took it, before solo training.

Ground instruction $65.00 per/hr
5 - 10 hours done in conjunction with your flight instruction. This
instruction is specific to kite wing weight shift aircraft principles,
operations and procedures.

Level 4 flight instruction $200.00 per/hr

Level 5 Flight instruction $250.00 per/hr

The majority of aero trekkers should stick with level one or level two
treks. Highly experienced and capable pilots with proper training
should fly level three treks. Only experienced pilots with special
training and who have a high degree of comfort with extreme flying
should attempt level four or level five treks.

----------------------
A word from the /aerotrekking Director/Manager Ben L. Anderson Jr.
Colonel US Army (Retired):
http://www.azanderson.org/

"The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to
be ruled by evil men." -- Plato

Biography
http://www.azanderson.org/anderson_report_webhost_biography.htm

[john smith]

> Aerotrekking is the art of low level flying by following the countour
> [sic] of the ground. Flying at near-ground level creates a feeling of
> being a part of the scenery - a connected sensation with the world you
> are flying through. It is very different from the sense of being an
> observer, which higher altitude flight creates.

Let me think....
1. low level flight
2. student pilot
3. high risk
4. high insurance cost

no mention of the aircraft being used

[Mxsmanic]

Larry Dighera writes:

> Below is some information about a firm offering Trike training in the
> southwest. Now that the Sport Pilot certificate exists, why does it
> cost so much to attain?

The nature of aviation is such that it always costs a lot. When there
is a heavy regulatory and safety burden in a domain, both of these
have a direct and substantial effect on costs. Aviation is heavily
regulated and heavily safety-conscious, and it shows in the prices.

There is also a lot of price-gouging when someone knows that you can
only go to certain sources (e.g., when it's forbidden to buy anything
that isn't "certified").

--
Transpose mxsmanic and gmail to reach me by e-mail.

[[email protected]]

Larry Dighera wrote:
> Below is some information about a firm offering Trike training in the
> southwest. Now that the Sport Pilot certificate exists, why does it
> cost so much to attain?

Because they want to make a living from teaching people to fly. Even
in sport aircraft, by the time you have $60 to $100 operating expense /
hour, then add a decent hourly wage for the instructor, estimating
perhaps 4 hours average a day if you're very lucky, then the costs rack
up quickly.

[Larry Dighera]

On 21 Jan 2007 00:11:21 -0800, wrote in
om>:

>Larry Dighera wrote:
>> Below is some information about a firm offering Trike training in the
>> southwest. Now that the Sport Pilot certificate exists, why does it
>> cost so much to attain?
>
>Because they want to make a living from teaching people to fly. Even
>in sport aircraft, by the time you have $60 to $100 operating expense /
>hour, then add a decent hourly wage for the instructor, estimating
>perhaps 4 hours average a day if you're very lucky, then the costs rack
>up quickly.

I don't begrudge anyone for trying to make a profit in aviation, but
the costs quoted on the web site seem to be higher than those for
Private Pilot training, and the aircraft have got to be orders of
magnitude cheaper than a new C-172. The twenty hours to solo time
seems odd also.