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<DIV><FONT size=2>About a year ago, I was flying at an airfield in west Texas
and got into a discussion about pattern with an old pattern jock. He informed me
that there were 2 main reasons for him quitting. One was pattern going to the
"Turnaround" pattern, the other was cost. I didnt have an answer for him on the
first issue, but the second I got him on. I asked what he flew, he said his best
plane at the time was an MK Curare. He had a Rossi with tuned pipe, Kraft
electric retracts, The top of the line Kraft gear and on and on. After asking
what those items cost (those old radios were expensive even by todays standards)
he still had right at 1000.00 invested. This was in 1979. I told him I had about
2000.00 invested in my Patriot. I told what I gave for my new pickup (38,000.00)
and what my grandfather gave, new, for his 1979 Dodge pickup </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>(8,000.00). Quite a difference. As has been stated many times
already..........Perception. </FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>