THE headline makers of the U.S. air world are supersonic fighters, jet bombers and transports. But today, almost unnoticed amidst the sonic booms, a second segment of the industry is enjoying a rise of unparalleled proportions: the private-plane industry, which is riding the jet stream of its own $1 billion boom.
The U.S. private aviation fleet has soared to 66,000 planes, more flying machines than the combined air forces of both the U.S. and Soviet Russia. Last year alone, 18 light-plane makers added another 6,000 craft to the fleet, and grossed a record $125 million for an 800% gain since 1951. Gas, oil, maintenance and other costs for 209,000 private pilots who fly for fun or profit added $800 million more to the business. Yet the boom is just beginning. The forecast for 1975 is a fleet of 105,000 planes logging 25.8 million hours annually.
From Bust to Boom. What makes the growth even more spectacular is that the private-plane boom started off with a loud bust. During World War II so many young Americans learned to fly that small-plane makers saw visions of a U.S. on wings, flying for the sheer sport of it or touring the country in planes instead of the family car. In one heady year, the industry made 34,568 aircraft, seven years' normal production, and collapsed the market. Sport flying proved too expensive, and touring by plane found little appeal. By 1948 production was down to 7,039 planes; three years later it was hedgehopping, with only 2,279 units worth $14 million. Many companies went broke. Many others turned to outside lines—farm machinery, industrial tools, even pie plates—to survive.
The power behind today's boom is a completely new approach to private flying. Instead of designing planes for pleasure, the industry designs them for work. "Utility" is the new watchword. With rugged aircraft to match every purpose and pocketbook, the industry has made it highly profitable for many a company—and thousands of individuals—to take to the air (see color pages). Big farmers and ranchers, such as Idaho's R. J. Simplot, who needs three planes to supervise his many farming operations and other interests, are learning that they cannot get along without planes. Using them to patrol fences, herd cattle, seed wheat or spray cotton, U.S. farmers are adding many millions annually to their income. As an invaluable tool of industry and commerce, light planes also add millions more to the U.S. businessman's income.
Companies are discovering that one executive on wings is often worth three at a desk. The time alone that a $100-a-day executive can save frequently pays the cost of a plane; a job that would ordinarily take two days now takes only one. Top brass are not the only gainers. Salesmen cover more ground, land more contracts; engineers and troubleshooting supervisors can move around faster. Beyond ordinary personnel transport, private planes are invaluable to rush delivery of critical orders, speed repair parts to outlying plants, or perform any other task where time is the vital factor.