I guess the reality of this all boils down to the "supply and demand" formula. If the supply of instructors willing to give lessons for free is always greater than the demand for lessons, then anyone trying to charge for lessons better have something good to offer. If the hobby skyrockets and there are not enough free instructors to go around, perhaps some people will be able to make a few bucks instructing... for better or worse...

As for me, if I ever get to the point where I am comfortable enough with a plane, and someone wants me to be an instructor, I will do it for free. Doing my part to keep the supply of free instructors up. I will even offer any appropriate equipment I have for use, also for free.

The problem I see with the way things are now is the order of things. Currently I see alot of people following this order:

1. Interest in the hobby
2. Buy a plane/equipment
3. (optional) Try to fly
3b. fix broken plane OR quit hobby out of frustration
4. find a club/instructor
4b. (optional) buy different equipment when the instructor tells you what you have is inappropriate for a beginner/incompatible with what they have (buddy box... this almost happened to me)
5. learn how to fly

This would seem to be a better progression:

1. Interest in the hobby
2. find a club/instructor
3. learn how to fly
4. buy equipment based on instructors recommendation


How to bring this about? It's probably impossible. It would take a very proactive approach on the part of the club to get to the newbie before the hobby shop (who very desperately wants to sell them a plane.) That's my ideal though. It is what I would recommend if someone asked me today.

Jon