Can I get an AMEN?

CGI, Cape Girardeau airport, is typical of so many general aviation airports these days. Outstanding facilities, and personnel, but it is utilized well below its heyday. Whether it’s the economy, gas prices, or more and more restrictions on private aviation, many U.S. airports are in need of revival. Also, like most airports in a similar state, I get the impression Cape is under appreciated by the citizens and neighboring communities. We took the Remos down there last weekend to attend the Cape Pilots Association fly-in/chili cook-off, and met a great bunch of aviation enthusiast. We ate chili, saw outstanding examples of home built and vintage aircraft, as well as the state of the art light sport variety, and watched a whole bunch of r/c model aircraft. We got a chance to visit with the airport manager, and were impressed with his enthusiasm, and future plans.

Most aircraft/aviation statistics these days will confirm that general aviation is in a decline. Aircraft deliveries, airport operations, and private pilot certifications are all well below the levels only a few short years ago. There is one obvious exception. According to the AOPA:

“Aircraft shipments were behind last year’s figures. A comparison of total U.S. shipments shows 2008 figures to be behind 2007 figures by 11 percent. Focusing exclusively on single-engine piston aircraft for 2008 (277 of the 558) are down compared to 2007 shipments (425 of 628), down 35 percent. Aircraft registration applications for quarter one 2008 were behind when compared to 2007 data (down 12.3 percent). (Note: Only January and February data is available for 2008 aircraft registrations.)

Accident data for the first quarter of 2008 (252 in 2008) shows a decline of 11 percent as compared to the first quarter of 2007 (282 in 2007). Record low fatal general aviation accidents are due to a dedicated commitment to safety by everyone in general aviation.

Sport pilot certificates held data for the first quarter of 2008 shows an increase of 61 percent as compared to the first quarter of 2007 (2,410 more sport pilot certificates).”

Did you see it? Sport pilot certificates increased 61%. That’s why we’re so excited about the Remos GX. Fuel burn averages 3.8 gal/hr in a training environment and only about 5 gal/hr in cruise. Maintenance on a new aircraft is understandably less than a 30 year old aircraft, and with Remos’ safety record, insurance, even for rentals, is very reasonable. Flight schools that understand the trends, and see the possibilities, will begin to embrace light sport aircraft of all varieties. Flight training can be more affordable for the student, and more profitable for the school, and airports like Cape Girardeau will be the ones to lead the revival. Can I get an Amen? Besides, the pilot association has some great chili cooks. If you missed the fly-in this year, don’t dismay. The airport will be hosting a huge air show next year, and you can bet we’ll be there again

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