General aviation, this is the term given to that part of the U.S. aviation
community that is not associated with either the scheduled airlines or the U.S.
military. This block of airspace users comprises the largest, by hours flown,
group within the aviation community.
Although airlines fly longer routes, with larger aircrafts, and
carry more passengers, general aviation serves more communities, provides more
varied services and is the grass roots of American aviation. General aviation
aircrafts range from the largest aircrafts in civilian use including privately
owned 747’s, luxurious private jets that can accommodate dozens of passengers
with trans-oceanic range, former military aircrafts from cargo carrying C-130’s
to former Soviet military fighter aircrafts, business-corporate aircrafts from
small single engine airplanes to business jets, including transport size
helicopters, kit built, home built, antique and one of a kind experimental
aircraft, are all part of the general aviation community.
The pilots of the U.S. general aviation community number nearly
600,000. Just under
half the total are commercial and air transport pilot rated. The air transport
pilot (ATP) certificate is generally required for those who fly for the
airlines. A total of 219,000 pilots hold private ratings and another 85,000 are
student pilots.
Airplanes in the fleet of general aviation aircrafts in the U.S.
total just over 225,000, with the greatest portion of 148,000 being single
engine piston aircrafts. Another 19,400 multi-engine piston aircrafts, 8,000 turboprop powered aircrafts, 10,000 jet aircrafts, over
9,000 rotorcraft and nearly 25,000 registered experimental and homebuilt
aircraft.
The great majority of general aviation pilots are represented by
two national pilot organizations.
Airplane Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) was founded in 1939 with
the mission to keep civilian flying fun, safe and affordable. Today, more than
two-thirds of all pilots, 400,000 pilots belong to AOPA and are represented on
issues that effect pilots such as access to the airspace system, loss of airports
and user fees. The AOPA additionally assists communities and pilots with being
good neighbors and understanding the value of general aviation.
Another
grassroots national pilot organization with a membership of 170,000 is the
Experimental Aircraft Association. The EAA was formed in 1959 with membership
open to pilots and non-pilots, and it promotes interest in aviation. The EAA is
in the forefront of local aviation efforts including local chapters for those
interested and national programs such as the Young Eagles, with goals providing
airplane rides to 1 million young people each year.
Robert Perry will answer all questions on matters aeronautical. Address your questions to “PLANE TALK” care
of this newspaper or at titantornado@msn.com.