As we do at the end of each year, the editors of Flying have compiled a list of the most important, compelling and industry-shaping news stories to emerge in the preceding 12 months. As always, the year was jam-packed with major news stories, from the political battles that gripped Washington to new airplane introductions and more, all of which makes covering the general aviation industry so exciting. We expect several of these stories to continue to generate headlines well into the new year and beyond.
Top 25 Aviation Stories of 2017
Key Takeaways:
- The general aviation industry saw notable new aircraft introductions, including Cessna's SkyCourier utility twin, Diamond's DA50 single, and a certified diesel-powered Cessna Skyhawk.
- Technological advancements enhanced safety and accessibility for pilots with the release of affordable ADS-B Out solutions (e.g., uAvionix skyBeacon) and a new wave of retrofit autopilots for older certified aircraft.
- The regulatory environment evolved with the FAA redefining slow flight and stall training to improve safety and beginning efforts to eliminate unnecessary regulations, while presidential Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) continued to impact GA operations.
- The industry also showed signs of revitalization, with legacy manufacturer Mooney ramping up production, and future-forward concepts like Uber's on-demand flying-taxi service gaining momentum.
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