Is general aviation safer than driving?

Is General Aviation Safer than Driving?

When it comes to traveling, people often have to choose between two modes of transportation: driving and flying. While both have their own set of risks, the question remains: is general aviation safer than driving? In this article, we’ll delve into the statistics and facts to provide a comprehensive answer.

What is General Aviation?

Before we dive into the safety comparison, let’s define what general aviation (GA) is. General aviation refers to all civil aviation activities that are not scheduled airline flights. This includes private pilots, flight schools, business aviation, and recreational flying. In the United States alone, there are over 220,000 registered general aviation aircraft.

Driving Safety Statistics

To put the safety of general aviation into perspective, let’s look at the statistics for driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019:

• There were 36,560 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes in the United States.
• The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled was 1.25.
• The most common causes of fatal crashes were:

  • Speeding (29.6%)
  • Distracted driving (8.8%)
  • Driving under the influence (6.3%)
  • Failure to wear a seatbelt (5.6%)

General Aviation Safety Statistics

Now, let’s look at the statistics for general aviation. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in 2019:

• There were 574 fatalities in general aviation accidents in the United States.
• The fatal accident rate per 100 million flight hours was 0.57.
• The most common causes of fatal general aviation accidents were:

  • Pilot error (76.4%)
  • Weather (12.4%)
  • Aircraft system failure (5.5%)
  • Air traffic control error (2.1%)

Comparison of Safety Statistics

Now that we have the statistics for both driving and general aviation, let’s compare them. Here are some key points to consider:

• Fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled: 1.25 (driving) vs. 0.57 (general aviation)
• Fatality rate per 100 million flight hours: 0.57 (general aviation) vs. N/A (driving)
• Most common causes of fatal crashes: speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence (driving) vs. pilot error, weather, and aircraft system failure (general aviation)

Why is General Aviation Safer than Driving?

While general aviation has a higher fatality rate than driving, there are several reasons why it is still considered safer:

• Better training: General aviation pilots undergo rigorous training and must meet strict certification requirements. This training helps to reduce the risk of pilot error.
• More attention: Pilots are required to pay close attention to their surroundings and instruments at all times, reducing the risk of distractions.
• Safety equipment: General aviation aircraft are equipped with safety features such as collision avoidance systems and emergency oxygen.
• Regulations: General aviation is subject to strict regulations and oversight, which helps to ensure that aircraft are airworthy and pilots are qualified.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while general aviation has a higher fatality rate than driving, it is still considered safer due to better training, more attention, safety equipment, and regulations. Additionally, the fatality rate per 100 million flight hours is significantly lower than the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a beginner, general aviation offers a safe and exciting way to travel.

Table: Comparison of Safety Statistics

Bullets: Key Points

• General aviation has a higher fatality rate than driving.
• However, general aviation is considered safer due to better training, more attention, safety equipment, and regulations.
• The fatality rate per 100 million flight hours is significantly lower than the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
• General aviation offers a safe and exciting way to travel, whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a beginner.