In article John Cochrane writes:

What we have to thank for that is the wonders of government "safety"
regulation. Car engines and parts are much more reliable than aviation
engines, which are stuck in 1950s -- but "certified" technology. It's
not worth it to certify new designs so we get stuck with the old ones.

Cars have been forced into modern ages by government safety requirements,
by government emissions reqirements, and a host of other non-market-driven
reqirements.

Market competition, drove some other development.

But, aircraft are stuck with FAA certification.

So government regulation has helped cars, but hindered aircraft. It sounds
strange, but is probably true.


Ultralights and light sport seem finally to be using modern technology
-- because they don't have to spend a million bucks certifying it with
the FAA.

But the Light Sport still suffer from nasty requirements relative to
modifications. You can't just get a 337 for a modification, it has to
be approved as an approved option by the manufacturer.


John Cochrane


Even with all the age of aircraft technology, I don't think that is
what has been killing general aviation. In fact, continuing to use the
older equipment has probably prevented total collapse. With the cost of
purchasing and operating newer aircraft, the old stuff looks pretty good.

Once we are there, we see avgas at $5/gal and up, and look at the fuel
consumption of the 172 at about 9 g/h = $45/hour just for fuel.

More cost, less fun. And one wonders why the airports seem devoid of
activity...


Alan