So, what does all this mean? Should primary students and those seeking advanced ratings, proficiency training or just a simple flight review pass up flying with the grizzled veteran in favor of the young whippersnapper? Maybe, but not necessarily based on the results from this research alone.
A 2003 FAA study on professional air transport pilots found that accident rates generally decreased for younger pilots as they aged, leveled off, and then showed a statistical trend toward higher rates for older pilots.
The article's discussed research on instructional accidents does not definitively conclude whether students should prefer younger instructors over more experienced ones.
Further research is needed to understand how instructor age or experience correlates with specific types of accidents (e.g., weather vs. stalling) and the varying risks of different instructional activities.
So, what does all this mean? Should primary students and those seeking advanced ratings, proficiency training or just a simple flight review pass up flying with the grizzled veteran in favor of the young whippersnapper? Maybe, but not necessarily based on the results from this research alone.
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