I want to express my disappointment with the FLYING Magazine's "Ultimate 100K Giveaway". While I appreciate the opportunity to win a free aircraft, I believe that the contest ignores the needs and interests of most of the general aviation community.
100K is not enough to finance an aircraft
First, the $100,000 prize is not enough money to finance the purchase and operation of an aircraft for most people. Even if you were lucky enough to win, you would still be responsible for significant ongoing costs, including hangar fees, insurance, maintenance, and fuel. Furthermore, the $100,000 prize is unlikely to be considered a legitimate down payment by any financial institution. The award's unconventional nature and the potential for fraud would likely raise red flags for banks, making it nearly impossible to secure financing for an aircraft.
The contest is limited to a small selection of aircraft
Second, the contest is limited to a small selection of used aircraft that may not be suitable for everyone's needs or budget. You can only pick from the aircraft listed on aircraftforsale.com
AOPA's sweeps and raffles bring the reader along for the journey
Third, AOPA's sweeps and raffles are much more engaging. AOPA does a great job of telling the story of the aircraft and the people who built it, which makes the contest more exciting and personal. Even if the membership is too expensive and their leadership is out of touch, I enjoy their sweeps every year. Raffles give you a chance to win an aircraft in good shape and you avoid the burden of finding one. I wish Flying magazine would truly listen to its subscribers and offer a giveaway that resonates with the community's desires.
The current FLYING magazine contest feels disconnected from our needs, leaving us feeling overlooked and ignored.
100K is not enough to finance an aircraft
First, the $100,000 prize is not enough money to finance the purchase and operation of an aircraft for most people. Even if you were lucky enough to win, you would still be responsible for significant ongoing costs, including hangar fees, insurance, maintenance, and fuel. Furthermore, the $100,000 prize is unlikely to be considered a legitimate down payment by any financial institution. The award's unconventional nature and the potential for fraud would likely raise red flags for banks, making it nearly impossible to secure financing for an aircraft.
The contest is limited to a small selection of aircraft
Second, the contest is limited to a small selection of used aircraft that may not be suitable for everyone's needs or budget. You can only pick from the aircraft listed on aircraftforsale.com
AOPA's sweeps and raffles bring the reader along for the journey
Third, AOPA's sweeps and raffles are much more engaging. AOPA does a great job of telling the story of the aircraft and the people who built it, which makes the contest more exciting and personal. Even if the membership is too expensive and their leadership is out of touch, I enjoy their sweeps every year. Raffles give you a chance to win an aircraft in good shape and you avoid the burden of finding one. I wish Flying magazine would truly listen to its subscribers and offer a giveaway that resonates with the community's desires.
The current FLYING magazine contest feels disconnected from our needs, leaving us feeling overlooked and ignored.