Business aviation taking off
August 23, 2012, 01:46 pm
A recent report by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association showed that the business aviation industry is regaining its popularity after many believed it was heading to imminent demise. The report showed that business jets and turbine-powered aircraft deliveries are up from last year and piston-powered airplanes have declined, but only by a little.
"Business jet deliveries increased 13.1 percent to 294 airplanes in the first half of 2012 compared to the same period last year," according to GAMA. "Turboprop airplane deliveries also improved by 10.4 percent to 243 units from the 2011 shipment level of 220 units. The piston engine airplane segment was basically flat at 381 deliveries or a 1.6 percent decline compared to the first six months of 2011."
Although the business aviation industry might never return to its golden years of the late 1970s when reports showed that nearly 18,000 aircraft were delivered, it would appear the market is gaining ground, Forbes reported.
It is arguable that these aircraft are as important, if not more important to the businesses they contribute to, especially considering the downsides, including passenger traffic, flight delays, security hassles, uncomfortable seats, screaming babies or poor food.
It would seem the general aviation community is thriving, and a Louisiana town is looking to take advantage of it. Livingston Parish recently contacted federal and state aviation officials about building a general aviation airport.
"A general aviation airport is deemed highly feasible from the parish perspective," according to the study by LJC Poole.
The study showed that the airport would require at least 200 acres, but 500 acres would ideal to build on.
The airport could accommodate small private planes and corporate jets, according to Layton Ricks, parish president. He added that more than 50 planes, including five jets, are registered to individuals in the parish. In order for the airport to be built, at least 10 planes would have to be based there. Ricks said that owners of nearly 30 planes have displayed interest in basing their aircraft at the Livingston airport.
Ricks said the parish is considering a 5,400-foot runway that would cost nearly $12 million. The airport would have to be located at least 20 miles from an existing airport.
Considering the general aviation community is thriving, more pilots are obtaining pilot life insurance. Although one would never hope to have to use it, ensuring loved ones are cared for is important.
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