The General Aviation Manufacturers Association reported that the general aviation industry shipped 614 aircraft in Q1/16 for a total value of $4.5 billion.

“The entire industry is feeling the impact of retrenchment in the energy sector as well as global geopolitical and economic insecurity,” GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said. “Despite these headwinds, our industry continues to invest in research, development and certification of more efficient and safe products. Therefore, actions taken by elected officials to stimulate R&D and improve regulator efficiency have a far-reaching impact on the economy.”

Shipments of general aviation aircraft were soft across the board with only a handful of bright spots. Piston airplane and rotorcraft shipments were stable at 191 and 60 units, respectively, in Q1/16 compared to Q1/15. Business jet deliveries declined by 4.7% from 128 in Q1/15 to 122 in Q1/16. The turboprop airplane segment’s deliveries slowed by 6.8% to 109 units. Turbine rotorcraft also declined from 141 to 103 units.

“This is why the certification and consistency in regulatory interpretation reforms contained in both the U.S. Senate and House FAA reauthorization bills are so critical to our manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul companies in terms of getting innovations and new technologies to market,” said Bunce. “We are also pleased that language contained in the Senate Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill highlights the importance of these reforms. Both the authorizers and appropriators also recognize the importance of improving validation activities between global regulatory authorities to reduce duplicative review.”