Originally posted by Lowlevldevl
First of all, no where in my post did I say that only the rich select few should be able to fly turbines, that is stupid.
Secondly, no one said they are any harder to set up and run than todays glow engines.
What I was trying to say (and apparently some individuals lack the insight to see it) was that regardless of whether they come down in price or not, NOT EVERY SINGLE FLYER IN THE WORLD IS CAPABLE OF OPERATING A TURBINE POWERED AIRCRAFT whether you want to believe it or not. And yes, I do know guys who would run right out and buy a turbine for their second plane if they could afford it. These are the people I am refering to when I say that I dont feel everyone should be able to own one. ANd you cant sit there and honestly tell me that you dont know a pilot or two that would do the same thing. Just because you can afford to buy a turbine, whether cheap or expensive, in NO WAY coorelates to the fact that you have the experience to operate it in safe controlled flight.
I was in no way saying that only the richy rich types should be able to fly turbines (believe me, I have saved for three years just to buy my first engine for mine). I am just saying that regardless of what you may think, there are some pilots out there who, given the opportunity, would purchase a turbine powered aircraft way too soon for their skill level, and I think the higher prices keep some of these guys from hurting themselves, someone else, or maybe even the image of this part of the hobby. If you think that is having an "elitist" attitude, well, too bad. 
If you were referring to my post, I didnt say anything about cost - just that there IS an auro in the jet fraternity (not all, but some definitely) that jets are hard to fly, too advanced for many, etc...
Yes, you but you will also see this in many other areas of this hobby where (a) a lot of money is involved (like in giant scale aerobatics) and (b) where a perceived skill level is needed
This is fair enough, but with today's planes and engines, a lot of guys probably COULD fly a trainer jet for thier second or third plane, believe it or not. I have seen guys flying for less than a year that are into advanced aerobatics and stuff that many experienced pilots are still trying to learn.
It all comes down to picking an airframe/engine combo that can be flown with success.
Trying to fly an advanced turbine powered jet when you are not ready it not, in my opinion, any different that trying to fly a heavy WWII warbird in 1/4 scale with a 100cc or larger gasolione engine that can exceed 150mph. We rely on our clubs and other flyers with good advice to steer the newcomers in any of the disciplines, dont we? Then why should it be any differewnt with turbine powered planes? AGain, IMO, it should not...
I think myself its somewhat of a "prestige" thing to some of us, to own and fly what the average model airplane enthusiast cannot. When the price barrier is gone.... then its gone.
AJC