Why flight schools are getting rid of C1

[FlyingToIST]

I can see the trend in the aviation schools that they are slowly but surely getting rid of C152. I know that Cessna didn't make any of this great trainer for two decades, but it should not be too hard to find a good used one. So, what's the reason? The insurance? Are they getting costly to run?

As a person who got his training in C152 and moved to 4 seater for instrument training I would like to find out. I also intend to start a flight school and looks like a C152 might be a good and economical trainer for people who are trying to save some money on this..

Thanks....

 

[bigD]

Hmmm....personally I haven't noticed a decrease in the number of 150's or 152's used for training around here. The fleet's getting older, and thus they're certainly not getting any cheaper to maintain, but I'm not sure that there's much alternative out there in that cost range.

If you're noticing schools getting rid of 152's, what are they replacing them with?

 

[FlyingToIST]

Mostly they are being replaced by C172s SP or Rs.

 

[bigD]

Interesting. I'm seeing a proliferation of R and SP model 172's, but most people I know flying them are training for their instrument, or just building time and want to impress their friends with a nicer plane. Especially with the economy around here in the crapper, most private students can't afford to train in a plane costing $100/hr.

Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with doing training in a 152 as long as you and your instructor aren't too big.

 

[stillaboo]

$100/hr for a 172?! I flew brand new 172's (SP, R, beats me) wet w/ an instructor for about $85 in '00 in FL. Inflation hasn't gone up that much. Has insurance?

For triple digits, you should get 2 engines!

-Boo!

 

[bigD]

Holy crap stillaboo - that's an amazing price! The school I was thinking of charges $100 for the R model and $105 for the SP. Wet rates, no instructor.

Just down the street, R models are $125 wet! That's disgusting.

 

[Snakum]

Ya know ... I've been agonizing over that one too. Since the new insurance rates have hit most everyone by now, the rental rates on newer Skyhawks (and older ones in some places) in my area (five different FBOs) have gone thru the roof.

What's really sad about it is this ... on an average weekend you can drop in and see four or five CFIs just sitting and BS'ing. No students. I have a very bad feeling that by the time I get my CFI there will be a glut of instructors and a lack of students, if what I see now is any indication. I have a feeling that new student starts are gonna go thru the floor in the next few years, which is good for those already close to Regional/Freight mins (less competition ... eventually), but bad for those of us who need a year or so instructing.



Minh

 

[TheAmazingRando]

shoot...the school I teach at only charges 88 bucks wet for our R models. Lowest in this neck of the woods(MI). The FBO down the taxiway charges $85 for a P model and $105 (I think) for a 172RG. Personally, I think we have the better deal.

 

[52vincent]

Gotcha beat $77/hour wet for the SP, however I personally don't like it we have several nicknames for the "SP" ; S*#T pile for one,Severly Pampered. Anyway, there I go ranting again......

 

[Speedtree]

Snakum,

Don't worry too much about the economy or airline industry. There will always be students wanting to fly. Just like there are always people wanting to take Golf lessons or whatever else there is. At one of the local Golf courses it costs $50 for 1/2 hour.

Make yourself the best CFI you can be, treating your customers the best you can, giving them the best instruction tailored for each student, and you will do o.k.

Work hard at it. Market yourself and be creative. It's not easy but it can be done.

Best wishes for you and your future.