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THE PRESENT ENVIRONMENT 51 Figure 2-7 Shipments of Regional Transports and Executive Aircraft (turboprop and turbof an), 1970â1982 Source: Garrett Turbine Engine Company. Light Aircraft In light (piston-engined) aircraft three American firms dominateâCessna, Beech, and Piper. American firms produced 17,890 units in 1979. In 1980 they provided 92 percent of all general aviation aircraft and 67 percent of net billings, producing 11,877 units. Because of the worldwide recession they produced only 4,000 units in 1982, with continued slippage in 1983. Although France is the second largest producer, with 591 aircraft in 1979, there is not yet a serious challenge in this market from foreign manufacturers. Britain, Brazil, and others are also producing light aircraft. Brazil, under license to Piper, has produced a broad range of Piper designs. The state of the art applied to the light aircraft segment of general aviation has been low, and costs are increasing in the United States due to reduced production rates. Consequently, the potential for foreign penetration of the markets serviced by U.S. manufacturers exists if foreign governments choose to finance an entry. Since the U.S. market is approximately 90 percent of the world market, no other nation
