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.
Very Light And Single-Engine Jets
For years leading up to this decade, the hype over very light and single-engine fanjets was loud and persistent. There were some partial success stories. Cessna built a bunch of Mustangs, and Eclipse Aircraft, while a financial disaster, built a great little jet. But the winner of the very light jet contest that no one wanted to be identified as competing in is Cirrus Aircraft, which midway through the decade got it SF-50 Vision Jet certificated and shortly thereafter started delivering them to customers. The plane, which won the 2017 Collier Trophy, does around 320 knots true in its latest, G2, iteration. Itâs roomy, fun and easy to fly. Itâs extremely economical (for a jet) and, at around $3 million, a steal compared to most single-engine turboprops. Cirrus has already delivered 150 of the jets and shows no sign of slowing down.