| Will General Aviation Rebound? |
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There’s a lot of talk these days from aviation pundits, the alphabet groups, and the ever-present aviation “expert” as to whether this country will ever see a rebound in general aviation activity to the same levels that were enjoyed prior to 9-11. These same sources also bemoan the price of gas, the overall cost of ownership, the low student graduation rate (from student pilot to private pilot), and anything else they can think of that will support their line of reasoning. On and on they go. Blah, blah, blah… Are you as tired as I am of reading and hearing the same old drivel from the same old sources? I think it’s time new leadership surfaced and stopped singing the same old tired tunes, don’t you? It’s time some folks take a stand and say, in essence, “Get over it. Things are not the way they were nor are they ever going to be.”Here’s my opinion – and yes, I know what they say about opinions. But here it is anyway. My belief is that no, things will not rebound to the way they were pre-2001. We will probably not see activity at the same levels, whether it’s GA flying, training, or manufacturing. Before you write me off as a pessimistic whacko though, please consider that what’s needed in this industry is not the pathetic reminiscing of the good-old days like some high-school football hero who’s never let go of the past, but rather a new paradigm that can successfully restart this industry from it’s present state. In other words, let’s stop worrying about how things were and start focusing on how things can be. We’re living in a new reality now and as I see it, there is but one of three positions you can take. One, you accept things the way they are and work to further aviation. Two, you take the lead and forge ahead with new ideas and solutions. Or three, you get out of the way. No one ever won a race looking in the rear view mirror which, unfortunately, seems to be what this industry is doing today. Energy price volatility is here to stay so we’d better get used to it. There’s no sense whining and complaining about the cost of flying if all we’re going to do is whine and complain. Anyone can do that. What we need are people who understand the current rules of the game and are not afraid to challenge them. What we don’t need is one more person who thinks aviation is there to serve them and not the other way around. It’s time for those who think they have a right to fly to step aside and let those who understand that it is a privilege that must be constantly nurtured take their place. If you’re involved in any way, may I encourage you to take a look around to find out how you can serve aviation? Question why things are the way they are. We need people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved – and stay involved – in general aviation. We need people who flatly reject the notion of “that’s the way it is” or “that’s how it’s always been done.” My belief is that aviation will not return to the “glory” days so many are pining for. Rather, I wholeheartedly believe this industry is poised for a rebirth that will boggle our minds. The question is, do we have what it takes to make it happen?
Chris Kirk is a Kansas City native and owns WildBlue, LLC, a Platte City, MO based aircraft sales firm that sells quality owner-flown piston and light-jet aircraft world-wide. He is passionate about growing a vibrant general aviation community and believes in the possibilities it has to offer. Feel free to contact Chris at 816.479.2723 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . |