High accident rate in General Aviation
Almost every day, news reports around the world tell of small aircraft crashes. Whether in Germany, Australia or the USA - the headlines are similar: a small aircraft crashes and several people are killed. Despite constantly rising safety standards in commercial aviation, the accident rate in general aviation is stagnating at a high level.
A recent study by the University of South Australia, which analysed 46 studies on general aviation, confirms the dimension: more than 90 percent of all fatalities in aviation are attributable to accidents involving light aircraft. The difference to scheduled airlines, which have recorded an extremely low accident rate for years, is particularly striking.
Human factors take centre stage
The study confirms what numerous accident reports worldwide already show: In more than half of all cases, human factors are the decisive factor. Typical causes are faulty decisions, a lack of situational awareness or incorrect reactions in critical phases of flight.
Take-offs, landings and manoeuvres at low altitudes are particularly risky. Pilots have little room for error here. Stalls or loss of control often end fatally, as there is hardly any time to intercept the aircraft.
Training with deficits
In her analysis, lead researcher Emma Sheffield criticises the fact that pilot training in general aviation often lacks the necessary depth. While commercial airline pilots undergo continuous checks, simulator training and recurring examinations, private pilots often only fulfil the minimum requirements.
After obtaining the licence, only a few refresher courses are mandatory. Many pilots just keep themselves "legally current" with the prescribed hours for obtaining their licence without regularly training their skills, especially in dealing with emergencies. This often leads to dangerous gaps in knowledge and practice after long breaks from flying.
Demand for more training
The authors of the study argue in favour of a culture of continuous learning. This includes:
- Recurring practical training - regularly in the air, not just in theory.
- More intensive simulator exercises - also in general aviation, in order to be able to play through emergencies realistically but safely.
- Introduction of new learning technologies - Modern, affordable simulators or virtual reality systems could reach broader target groups.
- Promotion of a safety culture - Pilots should understand that training is not just a duty, but a protective mechanism for their own lives and those of their passengers.
International perspective
A look abroad shows that other countries are already responding. In the USA, the FAA is increasingly relying on voluntary but highly recommended "wings programmes", in which pilots collect points for further training and thereby not only improve their safety, but also receive insurance benefits.
There are also discussions in Europe about extending the scope of mandatory training for private pilots. Some countries already have programmes in place that make flight simulators more accessible to the private sector. In Germany, however, the range of programmes on offer is still limited - and often too expensive to be a realistic option for clubs or individual pilots.
Conclusion: a cultural change is necessary
General aviation remains a central component of aviation - be it in the leisure sector, in pilot training or in agricultural and commercial applications. However, without better training and regular recurrent training, the accident rate is unlikely to fall.
The Australian researchers' study sends a clear signal: only those who act safely and routinely in critical situations can avoid accidents. It is now up to flight schools, associations and authorities to create suitable framework conditions to make safety through training a matter of course.
Source references:
Aerotelegraph