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.
Diesels Deferred
One potential solution to our 100LL issue is the diesel engine. While there have been some noteworthy success stories, including engines from Continental and Austro, which power Diamond diesel-powered aircraft, diesels, due to high retail costs, few viable STC programs and few incentives to switch, remain a niche product and not a big solution.