I'm almost 70 and started flying in 1971 in a military flying club. C150 was $7 and CFI another $7. Finding the extra $25 or so per week wasn't easy. But NOTHING like now!
I have never been able to afford to fly but really wanted it. Can only keep going now because I built it and can do inspections myself and live in depressed area with hangar @ $50/month. Today I see too many younger folk who would rather play video games than do anything real. GA is dying and I wonder who will be left to buy my airplane? Want to get more people in aviation?
Figure out a way to cut the cost at least in half.
Jack