13. The Birth of General Aviation
The United States has long been a leader in general aviation, with thousands of small airports and aircraft serving business, recreation, and training. Manufacturers like Cessna and Piper have played pivotal roles in making personal flight practical and widespread. Cessna’s Model 172, introduced in 1956, became the most produced airplane in history, while Piper’s J-3 Cub, introduced in 1938, was the first inexpensive training aircraft produced in large numbers. (en.wikipedia.org) These innovations have made general aviation a cornerstone of American aviation culture.
