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.
Basic Med
A big push to simplify pilot certification for private flyers dates back decades, but this past decade it finally got done. Basic Med, as itâs called, isnât the Driverâs License Medical that Sport Pilots enjoy and that many hoped for, but the more complicated but still more liberal new medical certification rule allows more pilots to fly longer with less FAA involvementâall big wins.