Tired of Flying | TheaterFire

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Electrical-Spirit-63@reddit

This is why planes are so expensive these days. Everyone bought them during covid and old timers keep them and dont even use them. Annoys me but it’s their property to do as they wish. I wouldn’t fly that much maybe once every two weeks but someone who is 47 I would love more aircraft on the market that are not idle and rotting so me and the wife can more easily afford one for monthly trips to the Bahamas or Savannah GA from Florida.

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Imaloserbabys@reddit (OP)

I’ve had my plane for twenty years. Not since Covid. I have 2000 hours.

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TripNo1876@reddit

If flying isn't bringing you joy then you're just putting money down the drain keeping an aircraft. There's nothing wrong with moving on to something else.

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Imaloserbabys@reddit (OP)

I do agree that it’s probably a waste of money, but I think people who are a little older probably know where I’m coming from. I’m not going to buy another plane. When this one’s gone, then I’m done for the rest of my life. I guess that’s the dilemma I’m having is am I really done with flying for the rest of my life?

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TripNo1876@reddit

That's something only you can answer. Personally I would look at it from a purely practical aspect. Is it really worth having if you'll only fly once or twice a month. As you get older will you be able to maintain proficiency if you don't fly very often?

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BagOfMoneyNoChange@reddit

Get rid of it and use the proceeds to buy a boat and drive that around until you get tired of it

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Imaloserbabys@reddit (OP)

I already have a boat

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fondlethethrottle@reddit

After a drought of not flying, do you ever go fly and have a “oh yeah, this is why I have an airplane!” moment? If not… it’s sunken cost. Hang it up and rent.

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Imaloserbabys@reddit (OP)

My plane was in annual for almost 6 months. The supercharger in it had to be replaced or so they told me. The person who owned the company that had the STC personally died, and the company was in transition as the family was trying to sell it. Long story, short, I couldn’t get a supercharger for months. Now I hear you can’t get them at all. Nonetheless, I went flying after I got the supercharger installed again and my first flight wasn’t that fun because the plane was running hot. They turned my fuel flow down to a normally aspirated rate when the STC stated that it needed 30 gallons an hour. I kept telling them this and they wouldn’t change it back. I’m going to have the people at the next annual correct it but for the past year, I’ve been constantly babying the plane because I’m watching CHT‘s the whole time which isn’t fun. Other than that, I’ve never been without flying for more than a week or two.

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Ready-Bar6925@reddit

You’re going to wait until your next annual to turn an allen screw a quarter turn?

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Imaloserbabys@reddit (OP)

True dat. I not doing it just in case the engine was damaged

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Exact-Display5905@reddit

Maybe sell for a less complicated plane? Sounds like you’re just drilling holes in the sky locally anyway. Try something different altogether, maybe an old taildragger (I own a 170 and think it’s a fucking blast, plus it’s simple and relatively easy/inexpensive to maintain), or an LSA?

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worryaboutnothing@reddit

I read some of your replies and sounds like the supercharger for your plane could be an issue in the future.

Since you don’t much flying with the wife .if I were in your position I’d downgrade to something simpler. Idk where you located but I live in Wisconsin and a lot of older guys in your situation have switched into Bush planes. You could get a two seater in case the wife wants to enjoy a ride with you. They’re cheaper and easier to maintain.

I don’t personally have one yet but my mentor has one Middleton has and we go for joy rides all the time and Fly during hunting seasons as well.

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E2TheCustodian@reddit

If it doesn’t bring you happiness, and it is not needed or helpful for work, is it really worth the cost and the weight of a high maintenance responsibility? If you want to fly once in a while renting is always an option. I would think the funds from selling it might bring more utility at this point. Remember the old joke about the two best days in a boat owner’s life!

…I love flying and I am struggling with whether I cen even support an aircraft given my current situation. I understand the FOMO.

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Ok-Needleworker-2797@reddit

Buy an ultralight?

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Imaloserbabys@reddit (OP)

It brings me some degree of happiness. Like I was just up flying a couple hours ago and flew along the beach and then came back. Ran into my instructor because I want to do an IPC but something keeps on stopping me. I do have someone that I would like to partner with, but that individual doesn’t want to partner with anybody at this time. Whenever we travel, the wife wants to fly commercial. She doesn’t want to use the plane for a flight that’s more than 2 to 3 hours.

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nolaflygirl@reddit

Teach the wife to fly! Then she'll enjoy it more! Alas! If you had only married me! I'm a pilot & NEVER get tired of flying! I would coddle your plane like a soft-boiled egg! 😁

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Acceptable-Coconut-5@reddit

Time to join the faa

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Malcolm2theRescue@reddit

Yes, I’m still flying at 72 and my insurance company takes away my keys at 75 but I don’t think I will make it. It is taking an inordinate amount of my income and is beginning to be more work than fun. I teach and mentor in the TBM 700/850 and do a lot of volunteer dog rescues with my own airplanes. I’ve actually been flying for 54 years and 29,000 hours. I always take young timebuilders with me and let them do all the flying. Most have never flown in Class A or had pressurization. They also get a high altitude sign off.

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novomindcoaching@reddit

You can always rent. There are lot of new pilots look for renting

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554TangoAlpha@reddit

Join a partnership?

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saml01@reddit

Create a partnership of like minded people that will care for the plane same as him.

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PhillyPilot@reddit

This

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archyinva@reddit

Why not just rent? Or introduce me people to flying and try taking in the woods factor through their eyes?

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PhillyPilot@reddit

Once you own or have partial ownership, you never want to rent again.

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archyinva@reddit

Or rent it out through a flight school.

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LR_1986@reddit

Or rent it TO a flight school, there’s a youtube video about this business model..

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archyinva@reddit

Sorry, yes. I think that's what I was trying to say.

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Untold_Legend1234@reddit

sell it to a good home for cheap (me)

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woop_woop_pull_upp@reddit

His would be a horrible home. Mine would be better

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ItsReallyLebron@reddit

Both of these guys homes actually dont have the space. I have the best home!

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aftcg@reddit

I have a hangar home. A place for wayward planes and people! I'll take care of it better.

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PhilosopherThese9257@reddit

You’re a fool, I’ll be keeping inside my house in the living room, where it’ll be well fed and taken care of.

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yeeee_hawwww@reddit

Don’t listen to these guys, sell it to me, I’ll buy an airport once I have the plane.

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davenuk@reddit

It would become my home after I sell mine to buy it.

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LR_1986@reddit

Or sell me your house and I’ll turn it into my airplane…

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sludgybeast@reddit

Planes belong in the air, not your home silly. I for one would not keep it inside my house when you kindly donate it to me

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Wavebuilder14UDC@reddit

Ill take your plane off your hands and relieve your burden

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PsychAtheist@reddit

I’m looking to buy, if you want to sell…what are you flying?

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packardrod44@reddit

We tried to buy a plane from an owner similar to you. He was going to join us and still be able to do so, but didn't want to give up the freedom to fly when and how he chose, not sharing it with anyone else. He flies periodically at best, but couldn't stand to give up "his" plane.

So in your case, though, have you considered a local flying club? Could give you a way to fly without having all the ownership thoughts.

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Imaloserbabys@reddit (OP)

I actually am friends with the guy in the hanger next to me and he has the same plane that I have. I keep telling him we should split a plane, but he doesn’t want to split a plane. The only reason I keep the plane is because we’re friends and I see him at the airport. Otherwise, I would sell it.

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packardrod44@reddit

Makes sense. The social aspect of flying is very appealing, part of the reason I'm in more than one flying club. But ownership is always on the tip of my tongue. It's a double-edged sword.

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BatiBato@reddit

I always wanted to learn how to fly, was a childhood dream of mine. Now that I am pushing 43, really thinking about starting the process of it.

You have been blessed of flying for that long. Help others achieve that goal IF you have the calling.

Keep flying my friend

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Hemmschwelle@reddit

Maybe it is time to sell the airplane and take up gliding. You fit the profile.

I recommend https://www.williamssoaring.com/ for glider add-on, and this is a nice time of year to visit the Central Valley. Soaring is good and it is not too hot.

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Flat-Barracuda1268@reddit

I don't own a plane but I'm kind of in the same boat. I did it, I don't think I'm going to continue to rent once my credit is gone.

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ExhibitionistsDiary@reddit

Are you part of a flying club? They could give you a reason to keep flying. EAA, in the US, and COPA, in Canada have opportunities for kids to be flown. For the kids it is often a life changing moment, I have seen it. For pilots, it gives you a chance to offer and observe joy in a youngster while relaying your passion for flying. But most importantly, it gives kids a chance to do something “real” as apposed to playing a video game. Give it a try.

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Dry-Horror-4188@reddit

I am 61, have flown since I started lessons at 15, licensed at 17. I get it. At one point I parked my plane for 2 years. Didn't even fly. Then I decided that I wanted to do it again and spent a buttload of money getting it airworthy again this was 2018 -2019. Decided to upgrade avionics from old steam gauges, and put in a new Garmin along with other equipment.

That took me to the next level and last year got my IPC. As I get older and start having issues, I have decided that if for some reason I cannot pass my medical (I am in great health), or the plane requires a significant repair, then I am done. As a kid I dreamed about flying, now it doesn't hold the same luster. I enjoy it, but I honestly do not know if I will miss it.

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Regular-Employer-431@reddit

I have an "ultralight" version of this same question...

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pjflyr13@reddit

I understand what you’re saying. Flying is a big part of my life and is my favorite hobby but I noticed how where I live and fly makes a big difference in my enthusiasm. I’m currently working in a hot climate with congested airspace and expensive landing fees and few interesting places with nearby airports that have accessible transportation. I love flying in my native Michigan and can’t wait when I fully retire there full time (70F) where flying is still a backwoods adventure. I still fly locally but my favorite trips are to/from Michigan and beyond several times a year.

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srirachaninja@reddit

I was in the same spot; I just didn't have time to use it and then sold it. It made no sense for me to keep it. I'm also just a private pilot. For me, it was the time commitment, when you go flying, there's so much other stuff that takes way more time than the actual flying, like driving to the airport (30-45 minutes), then pre-check (20-30 minutes), maybe getting fuel (another 10-15 minutes), then you fly for 1-2 hours. When you come back, it’s the same process in reverse, and half your day is gone for just 1-2 hours of flying.

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SSMDive@reddit

Find a new mission, new aircraft, or a new hobby.

Flying JUST to fly because you feel like you have to sucks and becomes a job. I just sold my Pitts because I flew it 8 hours last year. Instead I bought a Gyrocopter and a helicopter. Flew both yesterday and had a blast learning new skills and playing with new toys.

If a new aircraft or aircraft type does not do it… You maybe be done. And that’s fine I didn’t fly for 10 years before I came back to it. In that time I skydived and since made 7.5k jumps, I learned to SCUBA dive and have done dives like Eagles Nest (280’ down, 800 feet back in a cave).

Now I am back flying and have not jumped or dove in years.

So try a new toy and if that does not do anything for you, find a new hobby. You can always come back.

Sell the plane and invest the money. If you want to come back you can always find a new plane. Maybe you go from a Bonanza to a SeaRey, J3, or a Citabria!

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stardreamer00@reddit

Can I build some hours in it 🥹🤞

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Bunslow@reddit

Give it a couple months off and then see how that return feels. Once a week is good for proficiency but you don't need it. Try the 8 week "vacation" amd see how you feel the other side.

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Ok-Lingonberry-4152@reddit

Take me for a flight! Or even better, teach me to fly :)

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Living_Guess_2845@reddit

These planes are the hidden gems that will keep GA alive! Most pilots can't afford sole ownership but can certainly benefit from a partnership or private club that allows the owner to keep flying when able but also make it possible for the rest of us. The benefit is that the plane flies regularly. I can understand not wanting to lease to a school.

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Flying_4fun@reddit

Whatever you do, please don't let your plane fall apart unused. I see too many airplanes falling apart at the local airfield because their owners lost their medical and too proud to make arrangements for their airplane.

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Zeewulfeh@reddit

I give you five dollah.

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Outrageous-Many-2928@reddit

67M…. I’ve been flying for 46 years and have owned my C170 for 26 years. Never gets old! Maybe because flying to me is community.

I host “Picnic Thursday’s” every few months. I pick a local (within 50 miles) airport, date and time and people fly-in with their food, drinks and chair. In the three years I’ve hosted events, smallest group was two airplanes and largest was 16 planes. Twice a year, I borrow a friend’s hangar and we host “Sunday Sundae’s”. There are also local Saturday Fly-in breakfast each month. Yesterday I picked up a friend and flew to a local airport for a taco lunch fly-in. My grandkids love to plane camp. Although one night trips are plenty enough.

Find what keeps the passion alive! We aviators are very lucky people.

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SemiProFakeCarDriver@reddit

As a newly minted pilot, do you have any guidance on finding some of these groups?

I don't use Facebook, which is definitely limiting. Locally flight schools orient towards younger people on the CFI->ATP path.

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Outrageous-Many-2928@reddit

Most states have an Aviation Department or State Pilot Organization. The is an app called “SocialFlight”, that have local events.

A lot of airports have EAA chapters. Airshows have booths with state organizations. There are three airports within 30 miles of my home airport that have Saturday fly-in breakfast each month on different weekends. Call airports or fly to airports and ask. Or checkout their websites.

I host “Picnic Thursday’s” every few months. I pick an airport, date and time and everyone brings their own food, drinks and chair. It’s about community. Good luck.

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Horror-Quality-578@reddit

i’ll take it off ur hands don’t worry

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nothimwhy@reddit

Find a good mission to give you purpose in flying!

Join Pilots N Paws to help transport dogs that are at risk of euthanasia to rescues.

If you’d rather help people things like Angel Flight are great ways to help.

If environmental advocacy interests you there’s also SouthWings that helps monitor different projects in the South East.

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ZRaddue@reddit

I don't even know what plane you have but I'll give you a crisp $20 for it.

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Pickles_81@reddit

GA flying is a risky activity, and there’s no reason to take on that risk for an hour every week just because you feel obligated. Sell the plane.

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Key_Math8192@reddit

I think that 80% of the airplane owners at my local airport feel the same way; only most of them never fly anymore. No shame in hanging it up and moving on! If everyone in your shoes sold their plane tomorrow, prices would make sense again and my generation could experience a new golden age of general aviation.

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confusedguy1212@reddit

I’m not in the same boat as you owning an airplane but have flown for as long. I too find it boring now days. iPad preflight in 60 seconds and three taps and GPS direct to basically took all the mental challenge this used to have.

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Slick-62@reddit

70 and got my certificate 2.5 years ago and plane a year and a half ago. Not tired of it yet. Have a pilot friend and when we can get our schedules coordinated we go flying.

He’s older (not as old as me) and thinking of doing cfi just to teach. If he gets his cfii I’ll be his first instrument student. He can’t teach in the plane but is welcome to take it whenever he wants unless I’m flying somewhere. It works out.

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reidmrdotcom@reddit

You sell it and move onto the next phase of your life to enjoy. "That was a fun time, and it's time to move on." There is something called a "sunk cost fallacy" that may be at play here.

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Xyzzydude@reddit

I feel you.

I gave up flying in 2023 after doing one of those every 90 days currency flights. I did my three full stop takeoffs and landings, looked over at the Hobbes and said to myself, aww man, I still have to do this for 30 more minutes. At that moment I realized the joy was gone. I did the 30 more minutes and I never flew again. I also realized the only flying I had done in the last year was my every 90 days currency flight. Got a great offer and sold the plane.

700 hours, instrument rating, about a dozen OshKoshes under my belt. I’d gotten all I was going to out of it and was done.

I still like and engage with aviation but feel no more need to do it myself anymore. It’s hard to admit it’s no longer for you if you’ve made being a pilot a big part of your identity.

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tempskawt@reddit

Make friends with a local flying club and tell them that you would be open to splitting time to go on a trip. A handful of times, I’ve walked to our club plane, and someone from the club flagged me down and asked if they could just tag along. They insisted on paying half, so it was always super appreciated.

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aftcg@reddit

Yes, I mostly understand this. I watched my father go through the same thing. He flew J-3s to 747s for 66 years. He still talks non-stop about airplanes and is happy he doesn't feel the need to fly anymore. BTDT. He'll still hold a room full of new guys captivated, and that's better than flying, I think.

No need to regret the experience you have. The treasured memories will last. Sharing it with others in story time is a new beginning, too.

There are quite a few airplanes rotting at airports that should have been sold to able aviators years ago. I'd caution that you may not want your Tin Mistress to fall into that category.

CAF is always looking for volunteers!

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RogLatimer118@reddit

Once a week is actually pretty good.

If you're a sole owner, it's probably cheaper to rent, but then you lose your flexibility for spontaneity and also distant travels.

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Person-man-guy-dude@reddit

Yeah man just give the plane to me then you don’t gotta worry about it…

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ItsReallyLebron@reddit

Sir or mam, do you want anyone to keep your plane occupied in the meantime? Looking to build time

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chonky348@reddit

I am a student pilot I would love to own a plane why don't you just give it to me

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Ok-Stomach-@reddit

i rent cuz I don’t fly often enough to justify the cost and hassle of owning. At certain point in the future I might just quit altogether if it doesn’t bring any fun any more

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MobiusDie@reddit

Do you teach? It might rekindle what brought you to it. And you can subsidize a bit of its cost.

Just a thought.

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Equivalent-Web-1084@reddit

Sell it and join a club so you can rent an hour if you ever get the urge

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pattern_altitude@reddit

Try doing something different from your usual. Go do a trip to somewhere you want to check out. Take it to a grass strip. Get your tailwheel endorsement. You can either rekindle your love of flying or just realize it’s not for you anymore. It’s ok to hang things up and end that chapter.

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throwaway_tiredcap@reddit

My mood @ my reddit streak

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Fast-Government-4366@reddit

Find others at your airport who’d love to fly man!

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MidwestFlyerST75@reddit

You likely have immense life experience in aviation. Can you share that or make use of it with your plane? Do EAA young eagles flights, pilots n paws, volunteer, etc?

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DeadsetDingus@reddit

Ahhhhh yes, first world problem I’d love to have.

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curyfuryone@reddit

I think sharing your good fortune will help change your joy with flying. Take up a new pilot. Do all the take offs and landings but let them navigate and communicate at altitude.

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supachan7@reddit

Yoooooo you don't want the plans? Let me know....... But JK. Why don't you try to rent out the plane ?

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pilot2647@reddit

I will take the plane if you don’t want it??

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

I recently turned 60 and I’ve been flying for 25 years. I used my plane somewhat for work but mainly for pleasure. I’m at a point where I really don’t need the plane and I don’t necessarily enjoy flying, but I’m also cognizant that if I get rid of the plane, then I’ll never get another plane again. So I keep the plane and I fly once a week for an hour and that’s it but I constantly think to myself, Why do I keep this plane. Does anyone else have the same thought process?

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