2008 is over, 2009 here we come ! I have tons of new ideas, plans and wishes. But before all, I want to wish you a very pleasant, succesful, enriching and happy new year 2009. May you realize your projects and live in peace and harmony. I listed below my personal wishes for aviation and myself, and hope at least some will come true…

More runways
My first wish for 2009 is to have more runways for general aviation. No airport closures, new openings, and better collaboration with commercial traffic. Airport congestion is a major issue, paricularly for IFR pilots in Europe. Many airports put slots systems in force during winter because of extra-flights for skiers. It’s not always easy to find room for light aircrafts in the middle of airline traffic. From an economical point of view, one can understand that a charter full of skiers will generate more revenues than a private single engine. Airports being managed as businesses and not public services, the future of light aviation in Europe strongly depends on the number of runways available. More IFR procedures for regional and local airports would be good as well…

Lower fuel costs
Do I really have to say more about this one ? The evolution of oil price over the last weeks and months demonstrated how speculative and emotional the oil market it. Back in 2005, when I trained for my IFR rating, fuel price was 12% of the total price (rental, fuel, taxes and instructor). But the fuel then was much less expensive. The whole aeronautical industry is suffering from high fuel prices. Both airlines and aero-clubs had to introduce fuel surcharges to cover their costs. Will the world become more stable and the new US administration help to lower fuel prices ? I wish they will.

Less runway incursions
This is also a consequence of airports congestion. Runway incursions – two aircraft operating on the same runway at the same time – are amongst the most frequent incidents, and the trend is not encouraging. An unexpected line-up or an aircraft approaching to the wrong runway, or taxiing across a runway without clearance can have dramatic consequences. Increased traffic increases the risks. Ground-based and on-board equipments continue to be developped, including aural warning in airline cockpits about taxiways, runways, and approaches. Let’s hope that more and more aircraft will get equipped in 2009 and that runway incursions will be less and less frequent.

New diesel developments
2008 has been a tough year for diesel engines. Thielert went bankrupt, Diamond anounced new developments together with AustroEngine. The DA50 fitted with an AustroEngine made its first flight, but the certification process is not over yet. I contacted Zoche by the end of 2008 and got a polite but firm answer: “There is not very much that we would like to publish at the time being“. I sincerely wish that new diesel engines will reach the market in 2009. The reasons are quite clear: less noise, less fuel consumption, less expensive fuel, easier operation.

MEP / IR
For myself, I wish a DA42 rating. My budget will probably fit it, and it will be a more interesting way to renew my IFR than simply fly a check-ride “as usual”. Reduced budget does not means no fun. Flying less if fine as long as I keep safe and continue to learn. I know I will probably not be able to profit from this rating, but getting it will be interesting. Stay tuned for more about it…

Even more contacts
2008 was under the sign of personal contacts around this blog, and I wish that 2009 will be the same. I love to read from you and have interesting discussion, be it per comment and per e-mail. Feel free to leave comments or contact me. Remarks ? Wishes ? Criticism ? Say hello ? Say thank you ? Have a question ? Raise your voice, and let’s discuss it. I’m also interested in any idea you could have to develop this website. If you’re a blogger as well and want to collaborate, this already sounds to me like a good idea

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