Identification and Analysis of Factors Influencing the Decision to Select Transportation by General Aviation Aircraft, Commercial Air Carrier or Automobile

摘要

These Factors influencing the decision to select forms of transportation, self-driven automobile, self-flown aircraft or commercial airline (CA) were identified through a survey of active pilot. Previous similar surveys have been made using pre September 11 data and do not reflect the changes as a result of additional security and the ensuing delays and baggage restrictions. Previous impediments to the use of GA such as availability of transportation at the destination and weather have been effected by the recent availability of inflight weather and services such as Uber and Lyft. The costs of operation of the GA aircraft have been calculated with the assumption that a majority of aircraft used for personal transportation are legacy aircraft reflecting the current size and average age of the fleet and that these aircraft are fully depreciated. The cost of amortizing upgrades and major maintenance in place of depreciation has been assumed as well as fixed costs for hangering, insurance and capital. Trends in the manufacture and sales of new aircraft suitable for pilot-owner operation are examined as well as the trends in amateur built aircraft.