Agreed, it doesn't sit well, and we burn a lot of gas in sheer quantity as well (~9 gallons/hr in a typical 172). A big part of the problem is regulation and t

Agreed, it doesn't sit well, and we burn a lot of gas in sheer quantity as well (~9 gallons/hr in a typical 172). A big part of the problem is regulation and the certification process. Of course there is a good case for heavy regulation in aviation, but particularly in low-volume general aviation costs have been kept too high for too long that it really has stifled innovation. We are only beginning to see modern engines in light piston aircraft.