Economy buffeting student pilots, flight schools

JAMES HANNAH, Associated Press Writer

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By WSBT News1

Story Created: May 3, 2009 at 11:48 AM EST

Story Updated: May 3, 2009 at 11:48 AM EST

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — The slumping economy is forcing student pilots in North America to put their dreams of flying on hold, a trend that is placing a financial chokehold on flight schools.

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association spokesman Chris Dancy says there are no more recent figures. But he says the association is seeing some anecdotal evidence that the economy is taking a toll on the U.S. pilot population.

Economic conditions have also meant that some pilots who already have licenses have given up flying.

Dancy says flight training for private pilot is usually done with disposable income, so it's very common in economic down times for training to fall off.

He says it usually it costs between $6,000 and $9,000 to get a private pilot's license.

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On the Net:

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association: http://www.aopa.org/

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