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 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 discussed research on instructional accidents did not determine if instructors with different age/experience characteristics are more prone to specific accident types (e.g., weather-related vs. mechanical failure).
Further questions remain regarding whether specific types of flight instruction inherently carry different accident risks, and if instructor age influences their engagement 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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