The FAA’s numbers show a few bright spots despite the inescapable fact that times have been tough. Fractional-ownership programs are spurring turboprop and jet sales, new avionics are making it easier and safer to fly and “learn-to-fly” promotions are helping to bring new pilots into the fold, the FAA said. Helicopter pilots grew by almost 2 percent in 2003 over 2002. The fastest-growing aircraft types were experimental, with a 7.4-percent growth spurt, and turbine aircraft, which grew by 5.7 percent. The 10 fastest-growing general aviation airports, as ranked by the percentage increase over fiscal year 2002, grew from a combined total of 211,941 GA operations in 2002 to 374,238 in 2003, an increase of 76.6 percent. The three airports with the largest percentage increase in 2003 were Victorville in California, Jacksonville/Cecil Field in Florida, and Stillwater Municipal in Oklahoma, each of which more than doubled its activity. Oceanic departures and overflights were up 10.9 and 5.7 percent, respectively, in 2003, which the FAA says suggests that international business travelers are increasingly turning from commercial aircraft to business/corporate jets for security reasons. “Promise for the future is evidenced by … the development, production and introduction of new GA products and services,” the FAA said.
… And Reviewing The Immediate Past
Key Takeaways:
- Fractional-ownership programs, new avionics, and "learn-to-fly" promotions are stimulating growth in turboprop, jet sales, and pilot recruitment.
- Helicopter pilots increased by nearly 2%, while experimental and turbine aircraft categories showed the fastest growth at 7.4% and 5.7% respectively.
- The fastest-growing general aviation airports experienced a 76.6% increase in operations, with some more than doubling their activity.
- Oceanic departures and overflights grew, suggesting a shift to business jets for international travel due to security, with new GA products and services indicating future promise.
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