u/Zestyclose_Plum7448

Unfortunately, I’ve lost a few family members and close friends in general aviation accidents. This has led me to think hard about the inherent risks of flying small airplanes. Over time, I’ve come to the conclusion that no matter how much they’re missed, I wouldn’t want them to have flown any less. Each of them lived a life centered around aviation, and removing that from them would’ve taken too much of who they were.

Today, I’m a captain with a corporate outfit I plan to stay at. I’m at the point where I can afford general aviation as a hobby. My plan is to fly 25-30 hours a year with a local flying club before committing to aircraft ownership.

I wish I were equally interested in stamp collection or basket weaving, but the hours I’ve spent on barnstormers says otherwise. My question: is how do other pilots justify the risk of flying GA as a hobby? Especially when your family relies on you flying professionally?

Unfortunately, I’ve lost a few family members and close friends in general aviation accidents. This has led me to think hard about the inherent risks of flying small airplanes. Over time, I’ve come to the conclusion that no matter how much they’re missed, I wouldn’t want them to have flown any less. Each of them lived a life centered around aviation, and removing that from them would’ve taken too much of who they were.

Today, I’m a captain with a corporate outfit I plan to stay at. I’m at the point where I can afford general aviation as a hobby. My plan is to fly 25-30 hours a year with a local flying club before committing to aircraft ownership.

I wish I were equally interested in stamp collection or basket weaving, but the hours I’ve spent on barnstormers says otherwise. My question: is how do other pilots justify the risk of flying GA as a hobby? Especially when your family relies on you flying professionally?