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.
Cheap New Avionics
During the last couple of years of the decade, Garmin, Dynon and others worked with a new-attitude FAA to certify, in Part 23 airplanes, gear that was developed for the homebuilt marketplace. The result has been a plethora of relatively inexpensive, incredibly capable digital avionics for owners of even lower-value singles and twins. It has been a game changer.