That's true... few private owners rent...

But airplanes are enormously expensive to own and operate... even a small plane will cost you a fortune to maintain. The expense is so outrageous that "flying clubs" came into existence. A group of people share ownership and nearly all the 'clubs' here locally will rent to you. Yes, they only exist at the airports, or nearly so. It's the only way the 'average' guy can own and fly. Aviation is SO expensive that even in a club with 4 or 5 owners, or more, the cost to you will be enormous. Thousands per year minimum.

Lemoore Naval Air Station is about 35 miles, as the crow flies, from my home. My area is nearly empty, very low population density and almost no town west of my house or many south and even northwest. Thus... Lemoore uses my area for a lot of training. I get treated to an air battle almost bi-weekly. Usually 2 or 3 F18's, converting to F35's, playing 'tag'. It's fantastic. Love to watch them dive from 30,000' feet to nearly ground level in hot pursuit. They have been right over the top of my house so low I can see the pilots. Some of my neighbors hate it, scares them... me? I wish it happened every day.