GAMA-FAA Stats Look Promising for Sport Pilot and LSA Market

After reviewing and analyzing the latest GAMA-FAA forecasts and historical data (public information - see General Aviation Manufacturers Association website at http://www.gama.aero/), it is evident that specific trends are emerging in the Sport Pilot and LSA market segment. The following is a breakdown of key points:

• The number of active U.S. Sport Pilot certificates held from 2005 to 2008 has grown from a mere 134 to 2,623 respectively.

• The number of estimated FAA active Sport Pilot certificates held in 2008 shows that the majority of sport pilots fall between the ages of 45 and 60 – with the average age being 53.

• The FAA forecast – for U.S. General Aviation and On-Demand FAR 135 Aircraft – shows the LSA average annual growth rate through 2025 at 9.9% – the next largest growth rate is for Turbo Jet aircraft at 5.6%. LSA has the largest forecasted average annual growth rate out of all categories through 2025 – in contrast, the conventional single-engine piston rate is a mere 0.5%.

• The FAA forecast – for U.S. General Aviation and On-Demand FAR 135 Aircraft Hours Flown – shows the LSA average annual growth rate through 2025 at 12.1% – the next largest growth rate is for Turbo Jet aircraft at 7.7%. LSA has the largest forecasted average annual growth rate out of all categories through 2025 – in contrast, the conventional single-engine piston rate is a mere 1.0%.

• The FAA forecast – for U.S. Pilot Population – shows the Sport Pilot average annual growth rate through 2025 at 13.7% – the next largest growth rate is for Rotorcraft pilot at 2.1%. This reflects a significant gap between Sport Pilot and all other pilot categories through 2025 – in contrast, the private pilot rate is a mere 0.2%.

I believe the data reflects a very positive future for the Sport Pilot and LSA market. As the economy slowly turns around from a deep recession and we begin to see GDP reaching 3% or more over the next couple of years, Sport Pilot and LSA opportunity and growth will start to abound, according to GAMA-FAA 2008 stats.