Top 10 General Aviation Stories Of The Year

Here are the blockbuster aviation stories of a remarkable 2018 for GA.

Control tower
Plane flies by control tower.
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • General aviation in 2018 experienced significant challenges, including the ongoing ADS-B mandate deadline, battles against high FBO fees, the closure of Santa Monica Airport, and a successful fight against ATC privatization.
  • The year saw major technological advancements recognized, with the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet winning the Collier Trophy and the introduction of more affordable digital retrofit avionics for light GA aircraft.
  • Despite these hurdles, aviation achieved a milestone with its safest year ever in general aviation history and presented a booming job market for airline pilots due to high demand.
  • Emerging and disruptive technologies, particularly drones, raised complex issues of safety, privacy, and regulation, alongside the developing, albeit speculative, concept of autonomous "Ubers of the Skies."
See a mistake? Contact us.

10. Ubers Of The Skies

Airbus
Airbus

The mobility world—yes, that is a thing—is all abuzz with mobility solutions talk, and for many city dwellers, that means learning how to dodge out-of-control e-scooters. But the big plan for many companies, including Boeing, Airbus, Google, Uber, and others, is to make automated air transportation—meaning, no pilots needed—the standard way of getting around. Many of the so-called solutions involve the development of autonomous flying machines, many of which are electrically powered multi-copters that feature computer-controlled operation, including navigation and collision avoidance. Listening to these developers talk about their inventions, you’d come to believe that it’ll all be here in a year or two. We remain highly skeptical, but it inarguably will be interesting to watch this movement play out. We’ll keep you apprised.

Plane & Pilot

Plane + Pilot is general aviation’s only adventure-based magazine. From where to go, to how to get there, and everything in between, your next great adventure awaits.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get the latest Plane & Pilot Magazine stories delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE