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This paper considers the observed impacts of COVID-19 on the behaviour of a cross-section of the general aviation (GA) community in Australia. It specifically observes the nature of management decision making observed in the sector, and the financial impacts of such choices. This paper highlights a lack of financial acumen in the Australian GA community which is likely to inhibit resilience in the sector and limit its ability to learn from the economic shock COVID-19 represents. Finally, the paper proposes several initiatives to improve the quality of management decision making in the sector's leadership, with a view to improving its financial outlook and visibility to policy makers. • COVID-19 a challenge to General Aviation in Australia. • Operators ill-prepared due to lack of business continuity planning. • Problems acerbated by lack of policy insights into the GA community. • New dimensions of cost are yet to be mapped, including staff welfare. • Remodelling of oversight needs to focus on acumen and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]