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Why small aircraft face higher accident rates than commercial jets

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Why small aircraft face higher accident rates than commercial jets
Policy
Webp faa
Federal Aviation Administration | Wikipedia

Flying is often regarded as the safest mode of travel, with data supporting this perception. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in its 2024 safety report set a target for commercial air fatalities at fewer than 4.4 per 100 million passengers. Until a mid-air collision between an American Eagle CRJ and an Army Black Hawk in January, there had not been a major fatal crash involving a US passenger airliner for nearly 16 years.

General aviation (GA), which includes non-commercial civil air activities such as private transport and leisure flying, reported 74 fatal accidents in 2024 according to the same FAA report. These types of accidents occur more frequently than those involving commercial aircraft, raising questions about the reasons behind this discrepancy.

One factor is the difference in crew experience levels. While pilot training is thorough across all levels, general aviation pilots only need a private pilot's license with a minimum of 40 hours of flight time. In contrast, airline pilots must have at least 1,500 hours logged to qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot License. This results in airline crews generally having more experience and access to extensive resources compared to GA pilots.

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Mistakes are more likely and margins of error tighter in general aviation. Airline operations are governed by strict manuals and standardized procedures, whereas GA pilots have more freedom within regulatory limits. For example, intersection departures on runways are common among GA pilots but rare or prohibited for airlines due to increased risks.

GA crashes often result from pilot errors, particularly loss-of-control events. Unlike airline pilots who usually work with another pilot and have access to multiple support systems, GA pilots often fly solo with limited resources.

Differences in aircraft design also play a role. General aviation planes are smaller and lighter than commercial jets, making them more susceptible to wake turbulence and adverse weather conditions. Most commercial aircraft have multiple jet engines while many GA planes use single piston-powered engines which are less reliable.

Technological advancements have improved safety in aviation significantly; however, many features standard on commercial aircraft are absent from older GA planes. Although newer designs incorporate advanced technologies like FADEC and emergency autoland functions, most small planes remain decades old.

To enhance safety when flying GA aircraft, pilots can utilize personal checklists such as those provided by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). These checklists cover aspects like physical well-being and weather conditions essential for safe flight operations.

Despite these measures, general aviation remains riskier than commercial flying due to less stringent regulations and limited training resources available to its pilots compared to their commercial counterparts.

Ultimately, while general aviation offers greater freedom similar to driving one's own car compared to strictly regulated commercial operations, it demands significant personal responsibility from its pilots.

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