Quote Originally Posted by rwanttaja View Post
The unfavorable economics of General Aviation are a consequence of other factors ,,, it's not surprising the bottom dropped out of the GA market. And, basically, has stayed out. Ron Wanttaja
If everything is so bleak (and has been for 40 years), why are you (and others on this forum) still involved? Personally, I for one, would like to see it improved. There is still a niche range for small general aviation airplanes (too many to list). The interstates may have a speed limit of 75mph, but in any metro area it's more like 35-40mph when you (and millions of others) want to travel. A great example of this is LA to Las Vegas with straight line interstate between the two and frequent airline flights, too.

To borrow a little from Ken Blanchard, "Our cheese has moved." Unless we go in search of new cheese, we will perish. Aviation today is UAVs, drones, quadcopters, etc. Why aren't we capitalizing on these technologies? Everything that is currently being accomplished by these vehicles can also be safely accomplished by manned vehicles, too. .. and more efficiently.

Yes, sorry, I am on my soapbox ... but I am trying to "light a fire", inspire, etc.

I am a long time EAAer and even worked directly for Paul P. to start my working aviation career. My dad took a swim near Cherbourg, France due to a German submarine torpedoing and sinking the troop ship he was on. But WWII, Korean and Vietnam era aviation doesn't excite me (I do appreciate all who fought and perished for our freedoms).

We need to do something today to make our industry great and relevant again!