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 indicated that professional air transport pilot accident rates generally decreased for younger pilots as they aged but showed a trend toward higher rates for older pilots with Class 1 medical and ATP certificates.
The article suggests that current research on instructional accidents does not definitively recommend choosing instructors based solely on age or experience.
Further research is needed to determine if instructors with different age/experience profiles are more prone to specific types of accidents.
Additional questions remain regarding whether certain types of instruction inherently carry more risk or if instructor age correlates with participation in advanced training.
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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