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.
Backcountry Flying
One thing that few saw coming was a renaissance in backcountry flying over the past decade, as interest in taildraggers (mostly) with big tires and hardly any radios gains traction. A gathering you almost assuredly hadnât heard of before about two years ago, the High Sierra Fly-In, and the supporting group of pilots, the STOL Rats and the Flying Cowboys, have created an event that captures the allure of flying in the outback, brewing it down to its essential ingredients, friendship, fun and family, in a way that has struck a chord with the flying public. And weâve all benefitted from the work of the Recreational Aviation Foundation, which has worked diligently to keep backcountry strips open, maintained and accessible.