Only Segment To See Gains In Shipments

As promised, ANN is giving you the breakdown of GAMA'S 2003 shipment statistics released Wednesday. Piston-engine airplanes rose 6.3 percent in 2003 and were the only category of aircraft to see gains in shipments by U.S. manufacturers last year. These increased shipment numbers in the face of declining billings was the strength of the piston-engine market. Through the first three quarters of 2003, GAMA reported that piston shipments were only slightly ahead of 2002 totals. But with a very strong fourth quarter, piston shipments finished the year up a whopping 9.5 percent to a total of 1,896 airplanes. Shipments of U.S. manufactured piston airplanes increased 6.3 percent to 1,590 units.

Still Hanging In There, Despite Small Drop

Turboprop shipments were down 2.9 percent in 2003, to 272 units. U.S. manufactured turboprops dropped 12.8 percent from 187 units in 2002 to 163 units in 2003. While GAMA didn't expand on turboprop-related issues too much, one can only imagine the rise in jet aircraft is hurting the turboprop fleet. Several of the new light-jet models are priced near the cost of a high-end turboprop, if not lower in some cases. It's hard to compete with that pricing, given the fact that jets tend to fly higher, faster and offer a much quieter cabin environment. However, that did not stop Raytheon from unveiling its 1900 executive transport model last year.  

Sharp Jet Decline Brings Down Total GA Numbers

Shipments of U.S. manufactured business jets, which is the primary business of Wichita's Bombardier Aerospace Learjet, Cessna Aircraft Co. and Raytheon Aircraft Co., fell from 524 in 2002 to 384 in 2003. The sharp decline (a 27 percent drop) led to the lowest annual billings for U.S. general aviation manufacturers since 1998. Topping the list of shipments were 70 for Bombardier Aerospace, including 32 business jets manufactured and assembled in Wichita, for a total of $1.6 billion, down from 108 airplanes shipped in 2002 and valued at $2.08 billion.

Agency Grants AOPA Demand For Investigation

Fortunately, the debate over the unprecedented closure of Chiacgo's Meigs field is coming to light once again. On its website, AOPA says the FAA merits the organization's claim that the city of Chicago violated federal law and aviation regulations when it shut down Meigs Field last March. The agency says it will investigate the closure. AOPA filed a formal complaint following the destruction of Meigs's runway on Mayor Richard M. Daley's order, claiming the city failed to provide adequate notice, as required by the FARs. While the organization admits the complaint will not result in the airport's reopening it may lead to the mayor and the city being punished for their actions. The manager of the FAA's Enforcement Div

Requests FAA Hold Public Hearings

In a letter sent to FAA Administrator Marion Blakey on behalf of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) this week, Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT), a key member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, requested that the FAA hold public hearings on the National Air Tour Safety Standards Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The FAA notice proposes several additional requirements for existing commercial air tour operators and mandates Part 135 commercial air carrier certification for most sightseeing operations now permitted under private Part 91 regulations. 

Several Products Make First AAP Appearance

Because the Asian GA market has grown over the last year or so, it only makes sense that Cessna Aircraft Company will feature its expanding product line at Asian Aerospace Preview 2004, one of the largest events in the region.  On display at the show, Cessna will showcase the popular Cessna Skylane, versatile Grand Caravan with an executive interior, and Citation X, the fastest business jet in the world. The indoor exhibit will provide details on the entire Cessna product line.

Helps Owners Become Maintenance-Savvy

Respected aviation author, editor and speaker Mike Busch is conducting an innovative series of weekend seminars for general aviation aircraft owners, designed to help owners become more maintenance-savvy, to empower them to take control of the maintenance of their aircraft, and to get better maintenance for less money. Busch is best known as founder and editor-in-chief of AVweb (1995-2002) and longtime technical representative for the Cessna Pilots Association. Seminars are scheduled for April 24-25 in Memphis, Tenn; May 15-16 in Van Nuys, Calif.; June 12-13 in Harrisburg, Pa.; July 24-25 in Oshkosh, Wis. (in conjunction with EAA AirVenture 2004); August 21-22 in Seattle, Wash.; September 18-19 in Denver, Colo.; and October 23-25 i

Klyde... Drafted?????