Mike Berry’s article comparing commercial aviation to general aviation (“As the Pro Flies?” January 2022) hits on many important points. I have studied general aviation’s safety record for many years, writing a master’s thesis on comparing these two aviation fields and trying to change this perplexing problem. I have not seen an appreciable change in the number of GA accidents or fatality rates in decades.
Your article investigates how the GA pilot and the whole industry could possibly become safer. The commercial carriers that you and I have flown for were forced to make a commitment to safer air travel. These changes were initiated by an outcry from the traveling public and congressional initiatives, and the carriers themselves. This level of pressure is just not existent in the GA community. We witnessed the safety programs develop, such as FOQA, CRM and many others, resulting in a wholly new attitude toward flying. General aviation will not be able to achieve these goals easily, if at all!
