AOPA - Emerging role in General Aviation

Many countries in the world have recognized the tremendous economic impact General Aviation can create through minimal investment in infrastructure. Hence the saying, A mile of roadway gets you a mile further… A mile of runway gets you everywhere.

General aviation or ga is defined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as, All civil aviation operations other than scheduled air services and non-scheduled air transport operations for remuneration or hire.

India has had a long history of aviation. Although limited in scope, when compared to military aviation, there is sufficient infrastructure for civil air operations. Unfortunately, aviation in India is often associated with airlines and not personal, business or recreational flying.

Looking at the rapid economic growth in India in recent years, it has become readily apparent that such growth cannot be sustained without adequate infrastructure. Most of this infrastructure is viewed in purely structural terms such as roads, airports, buildings and power stations. Many countries in the world have recognized the tremendous economic impact General Aviation can create through minimal investment in infrastructure. Hence the saying, A mile of roadway gets you a mile further…A mile of runway gets you everywhere.

With over 75 per cent of our people living in rural settings and much economic development occurring in the non-urban areas, the existing infrastructure of poor roadways and rail routes cannot continue to support economic growth. GA is the ideal solution to connect the urban centers with rural operations. Runways, even as short as one km, which allow landing of corporate aircraft, may be built to increase the efficiency of business operations.