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.
Shrinking Fleet And Pilot Population
Itâs no secret that our much smaller and still shrinking pilot population is due largely to the demographics. The last of the baby boomers are now toward the end of their flying careersâhold your fire, I said ânear!ââand the rate of replacement for those pilots is nowhere near good enough to keep our numbers steady, never mind increasing. Despite impressive programs by member organizations such as AOPA and EAA to promote the creation of new pilots and to retain existing ones, the boat continues to take on water.