The decade from 2010 to 2019 for General Aviation was one of tremendous technological progress, from computer watches to autonomous flight control. Manufacturers also launched some amazing new planes, including a jet from Cirrus, the incredible globetrotting Gulfstream G650, a remarkable diesel twin, the DA-62, from Diamond, among others. At the same time we in GA continued to fight against onerous regulation, often but not always successfully, while working to keep the activity we love open, accessible and fun, challenges that won’t end with a new decade but that will certainly be met by a population of passionate aviators focusing on what really matters, the joy and freedom of flight.
ADS-B
December 31, 2019, is the last day that ADS-B isnât mandated for much of the United States National Airspace System. Starting in the New Year, every plane will have to have it, or they will be denied access to most controlled airspace. The gear, which the FAA started promoting last century, has had a 10-year lead up to mandatory equipage. By our estimates, around 50% of light GA planes are compliant. What happens next should be interesting.