While the GA industry is seeing signs of stabilization, it looks like 2010 will be a bleak year, with low production rates, low order rates and no hiring on the horizon.

That was the message from some of the industry’s leaders at the Wichita Aero Club’s first online summit Dec. 15. Bringing together top executives from Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft, Bombardier Learjet, Boeing and Spirit Aerosystems, the summit tackled the key issues facing the industry today, with uncertainty topping the list.

Bill Boisture

“It’s like when you jumped into a lake as a kid and you feel around the mud and sand, trying to find the rocks,” said Bill Boisture, chairman and CEO of Hawker Beechcraft. “We’re feeling for the rocks right now, but we’re not sure how wide the lake is. Snorkels may be required.”

... read the rest of GA leaders forecast bleak 2010 (346 words)