New Technologies for General Aviation Aircraft

This paper reports on an assessment of new technologies for use in general aviation aircraft. It describes an assessment procedure that provides a consistent basis for comparing the relative merits of different technologies. The study concludes that at least 46 new or under-used technologies could be incorporated in general aviation aircraft with benefit to safety, performance, utility, and cost.

The rate at which these new technologies can be integrated into the fleet will depend on social and political trends as well as on the technologies themselves. The report identifies 22 trends that will influence general aviation development. Four examples of aircraft designs that could capitalize on these new technical opportunities are included in the report.