GA won’t end, but it will decease to a smaller size. It’s pretty much inevitable and not due to being regulated out of existence, it’ll be because the public (the market) aren’t as interested anymore.
From a private pilot perspective it’s been a changed environment over the last 20 years with the growth of cheap air travel. Thought of hiring a 172 and going for a weekend jolly with mates doesn’t really compare to a holiday in Bali for a cheaper price. There’s no exciting new tech to deal with GA aircraft still running off 70s era technology, when everyone has a device of almost unlimited computing power in their pocket.
You deride “climate activists”, but it’s undeniable the younger generations are more concerned about climate change and are attracted the latest tech, battery and electric powered craft. If GA businesses were smart they’d change their marketing to appeal to the changing market and invest in development of better electric aircraft.
Yet, as the first post shows, GA is dominated by those with a 50s mindset who just want to lecture everyone younger how stupid they are. Looking at some GA flying clubs it’s dominated with those types. Why would the new generation, the people existing GA operators have to appeal to to stay in business, have any desire to spend their hard earned money in their kind of environment? GA will wither on the vine in that case.
The old adage is always correct. Adapt, or perish.
Last edited by dr dre; 7th Apr 2023 at 09:07.