The General Aviation Manufacturers Association has released a grim assessment of the industry's third quarter shipment and billings.

The trade group reported Thursday that the airplane shipments fell 46.8 percent. That is just 1,587 planes so far this year, compared to 2,982 at this time a year ago.

Billings are also down 23.5 percent to $13.8 billion.

GAMA President Pete Bunce blames the weak economy for the downturn. But he also says a contributing factor has been unwarranted negative attacks on business aviation.