General aviation is dying in the U.S. There, I stated the truth out loud and the skies didn’t open up with a lightning strike to my head, directed by Wilbur and Orville.
Too Little Too late
As suggested by recent decisions and actions, FAA leadership might actually be agreeing with that last bit. Over a year ago they announced a different regulatory climate called compliance philosophy, which is supposed to engender a more cooperative relationship between the regulator and the regulated. The FAA also began relaxing some certification requirements in favor of common sense safety improvements like seat belts and shoulder harnesses, angle-of-attack indicators, and more recently non-certified EFIS in certified aircraft. Now, theyve responded to the legislative mandate to do away with the third-class medical for many of us.
Key Takeaways:
- General aviation in the U.S. is declining, attributed to a complex mix of factors including economics, disposable income/time, perceived value, and bureaucratic complexity.
- The FAA has initiated regulatory reforms, such as relaxing certain certification requirements and medical rules, aiming to reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
- However, the author contends these FAA measures are insufficient to reverse the decline, as they do not significantly address the primary deterrent for aspiring pilots: the high total cost versus the unchanged perceived value of flying.
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