Top 10 General Aviation Stories Of The Year

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

Plane & Pilot

Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 05:08 AM ET

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Plane flies by control tower.

Key Takeaways:

Aviation in 2018 saw both triumphs, such as the Cirrus Vision Jet winning the Collier Trophy and general aviation experiencing its safest years on record, along with the introduction of more affordable digital avionics.
The industry faced significant challenges, including a successful fight against ATC privatization, persistent issues with excessive FBO fees, and the looming ADS-B equipage deadline with many aircraft still unprepared.
New technologies like drones emerged as a major disruptive force, prompting ongoing regulatory and safety debates, while concepts for autonomous "Ubers of the Skies" gained attention for future air mobility.
The airline industry experienced a major pilot hiring frenzy driven by demographic trends and increased demand, leading to significantly improved wages and benefits for pilots.

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3. Safest Year In Aviation!Ever

Airplane in hanger. — Aviation had safest year ever.

According to the AOPA Air Safety Institute, 2016 was the safest year in GA history. While there are various explanations for why we’ve seen such a decline in accidents—no one seems shy about rushing in and taking credit—the truth is that there are dozens of possible contributors. The bottom line is a wonder to behold. In 2016, accidents were down by 57 percent compared to a baseline standard that averaged accident rates for a five-year period from 2001 to 2005. Fatal accidents in 2016 were 41 percent lower than during that same baseline period. The even better news? Based on data trends, 2017 looks as though it could be safer still.

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