While aviation is exhilarating, exciting and a great form of transportation, there are often misconceptions on the level of danger involved. On the other hand, considering the danger without the proper facts can make piloting seem overly intimidating. Just like many other activities, there are risks associated with flight. Here are some comparisons, to put it in perspective.
In 2009, there were a total of 1,551 civil aviation accidents in the United States. The term civil aviation refers to all non-military, non-scheduled flights, so that number includes some smaller commercial flights. Of those accidents, less than 18 percent were fatal, resulting in 534 total civil aviation-related deaths for the year, according to the National Transport Safety Board. Keep in mind extensive training including at least 20 hours of flight time with a licensed instructor is required to become a pilot.
By comparison, in 2007 there were 10.6 million motor vehicle accidents in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Nearly half of those were fatal, resulting in 41.1 million total deaths. That includes motorcycle accidents, which resulted in 5.2 million of those deaths. As most Americans are aware, to obtain a driver's license a person must pass a written exam and a driving test with an instructor, but safety courses are not requires in most states. For a motorcycle license, a person must complete a safety course. Course length varies by state, but is an average of 15 hours or fewer.
Any activity performed under the guidance of an expert or with a rigorous safety course will result in fewer accidents. When learning to pilot a plane, you are given one-on-one training with a professional instructor until you are comfortable handling the plane on your own. Don't let anxiety about the risk discourage you from pursuing aviation. Keep in mind that statistically, driving an automobile is much more dangerous, and that just like driving, the more practiced and attentive you are, the safer your journey will be.
In 2009, there were a total of 1,551 civil aviation accidents in the United States. The term civil aviation refers to all non-military, non-scheduled flights, so that number includes some smaller commercial flights. Of those accidents, less than 18 percent were fatal, resulting in 534 total civil aviation-related deaths for the year, according to the National Transport Safety Board. Keep in mind extensive training including at least 20 hours of flight time with a licensed instructor is required to become a pilot.
By comparison, in 2007 there were 10.6 million motor vehicle accidents in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Nearly half of those were fatal, resulting in 41.1 million total deaths. That includes motorcycle accidents, which resulted in 5.2 million of those deaths. As most Americans are aware, to obtain a driver's license a person must pass a written exam and a driving test with an instructor, but safety courses are not requires in most states. For a motorcycle license, a person must complete a safety course. Course length varies by state, but is an average of 15 hours or fewer.
Any activity performed under the guidance of an expert or with a rigorous safety course will result in fewer accidents. When learning to pilot a plane, you are given one-on-one training with a professional instructor until you are comfortable handling the plane on your own. Don't let anxiety about the risk discourage you from pursuing aviation. Keep in mind that statistically, driving an automobile is much more dangerous, and that just like driving, the more practiced and attentive you are, the safer your journey will be.
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