This Week in the GA World

Welcome to my potpourri of tidbits from around the industry … Earlier this week, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released its first quarter snapshot of the new aircraft market, marking the units delivered and what money companies were able to recognize for their efforts. If you look at this as a horse race, you’re looking at it wrong—it’s a marathon that lasts all year. And typically the first three months of any year are spent catching a collective breath.

But a couple of OEMs launched new aircraft in the quarter, and this generally helps support new deliveries. The Daher TBM 980 was ready to go when they announced it back in January, so it’s no surprise they’ve sent out nine as of March 31, along with a lone 960, which remains in the stable. The 910 is no longer for sale from the factory, but some may still be available at the dealer level. 

Pilatus had some catching up still to do after the Great Tariff Pause of a year ago, and upped its rate on both the PC-12 and PC-24 over last year’s Q1. The overall drop in turboprop deliveries was in part because of fewer Caravans going out the door, both the standard 675 and the Grand Caravan EX. But piston deliveries ticked up 6.4% and jets soared by 14.9%, surely helped along by TextAv’s Citation Ascend entering into service, along with a handful more Citation Longitudes, plus Gulfstream G700s, Bombardier Global 8000s, and Cirrus Vision Jets.

WACO Aircraft posted no sales … which would follow as the parent company closed that shop in Battle Creek back on April 30 in a surprise move that surprised no one watching closely as the production facility there limped along, supported bravely by its top-notch restaurant. 

Overall, though, we’re starting 2026 in a good state of health, GA industry-wise.

Celebrating the 250th … With Deals

Let the party begin: The summer of 2026 will be known for the passing of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the deals and special celebrations have already begun to hit my inbox. First off, for those in the market for a shiny new propeller, Hartzell is extending its $1,000 discount to active duty and retired military veterans with proof of service. 

And if you can say “semiquincentennial,” you’re probably ready to read the 2026 NOTAM (to yourself or out loud) and be vocally warmed up to parry with Oshkosh ATC so you can see the lineup EAA has planned for the anniversary. Yes … the British are coming to the show in the form of the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, a fact of no little mirth to my English husband.

Two First Flights

I’ve been following the progress of Electra Aero as it continues to test fly its hybrid-electric EL2 in a mission to prove its ambition to produce an ultra short takeoff and landing aircraft for regional transportation. Unlike the eVTOLs, which will require a bit more in terms of certification, the aircraft and its eventual regional-scaled USTOL EL9 successor has a certification path under the current fixed-wing Part 23 regs. 

It made its first “urban” flight on May 28 in Charleston, South Carolina, at the Columbus Street Terminal, demonstrating just how short “short” can be when blown lift is used to reduce takeoff and landing speed. Marking its roll in less than 150 feet, the EL2 and the EL9 to come will open up a wide range of places to take passengers, presumably much closer into urban areas than traditional aircraft. And it may just be the first to market with multiple wing-mounted electric motors powering the craft.

Want more inspiration? Check out this YouTube report from Flour Bluff, Texas, as students at the local high school fly the Van’s RV-12iS they built in class. The Hornets flew their new airplane, which they had worked on for three years, from the Corpus Christi International Airport (KCRP), to great success. Congratulations!