Well, this is my first post here. Just started AFF out at Skydive San Diego. I did 2 & 3 today.
Anyways, I know exactly what you mean. In a previous life, I was a flight instructor. Its about $6k just to get your license flying (if you're good) and then its about $100 an hour after that. Chews through money even faster than skydiving, I dare say.