Is It Dangerous to Be a Pilot?

Friday, September 17, 2021 at 10:08 PM ET

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Pilots can assure those outside of the aviation industry that they are often more anxious about the drive to the airport than they are about climbing into an airplane. Adobe Stock

Key Takeaways:

Public perception often views flying as dangerous, though pilots feel safer flying than driving, with most general aviation fatalities stemming from pilot error.
To enhance safety, groups like the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJCS) utilize accident analysis (e.g., the Nall Report) to identify trends and advocate for critical changes in pilot training methods.
Improving pilot safety involves adjusting training for common accident scenarios, rigorously adhering to Airman Certification Standards (ACS), and ensuring pilots understand the practical relevance of fundamental skills over an over-reliance on technology.