Hello IO540-C4D5D
quite a number of interesting and "sexy" designs have appeared recently, note the 4-seater DA40 for example and too many 2-seater composites for me to keep track of
Agreed, but as I said we don't need any more composite 'glass slippers'
(I fully acknowledge that many people would disagree with that view).
KCDW, you're perfectly right: I have flown some rather questionable airplanes in the USA (presumably reflecting the relatively loose airworthiness standards under part 91 of the FARs).
In my very limited experience, Australia seems to have quite a few newish aircraft for hire.