Where is general aviation headed? The truth is, nobody knows, but the FAA is paid to try to predict the future. Earlier this year the FAA released these numbers that are as good as any at predicting the future.
- 593,499 The total number of pilots in 2014, predicted to increase to 617,000 in 2035.
- 174,883 The number of private pilots in 2014, predicted to drop to 163,600 in 2035.
- 120,546 The number of student pilots in 2014, predicted to drop to 112,200 in 2035.
- 44.8 The average age of a U.S. pilot in 2014.
- 139,890 The number of aircraft in the piston-engine fleet in 2014, predicted to drop to 125,935 in 2035.
- 198,860 The GA fleet total in 2014, predicted to increase to 214,260 in 2035.
- 2,200 The estimated light sport aircraft fleet in 2014, predicted to increase to 5,360 in 2035.
- 5,157 The number of sport pilots in 2014, predicted to grow to 14,950 by 2035.
Alton K. Marsh
Freelance journalist
Alton K. Marsh is a former senior editor of AOPA Pilot and is now a freelance journalist specializing in aviation topics.
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