The NTSB "most wanted list" consisted of two topics, General Aviation: Identify and Communicate Hazardous Weather and The Unique Characteristics of Helicopter Operation. In the general aviation article it is mentioned that the highest aviation related deaths are in general aviation. The article states that the accidents per 100,000 flight hours are significantly greater in general aviation than either Part 121 operations or Part 135 charter operations. It is mentioned also that the three things related to weather related accidents is the pilots training and operation, since most of these accidents occur in instrument meteorological conditions. They also mention the weather information provided and distributed by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Weather Service, along with the creation of weather advisories like pilot reports.
Since aviation is a
constantly changing field with technology and new ways to enhance safety, I
think that an area where new jobs might exist would be in the safety of
aviation. They could add to the
information of reading and understand weather information available to pilots
to increase their understanding. There
could be added requirements to obtain ground instructions or attend these
weather seminars, making it mandatory.
Having a requirement on an annual basis for example would create a need
for more instructors. I've seen weather
courses on websites like AOPA, some of them are stories about an accident that
happened because of weather, and others have quizzes at the end to test on the
information about weather. I think these
types of things are also helpful to general aviation pilots. Along with this in aviation safety areas,
adding or making additional information about risk management and the efficient
use of the tools available in the cockpit.
Training in this area could add to the knowledge of a pilot helping them
to become aware of the multiple resources they have, especially since many
general aviation pilots do not fly consistently year round.
It's sad that so many more people die in car accidents per year than aviation accidents and the public still sees aviation as more dangerous. It could be more dangerous, but the rules, regs, and procedures in place have been effective enough to prevent that from being the reality.
ReplyDeleteAs I read through the posts, the question comes to mind...when will aviation be "safe enough"? i.e...there will always be some error no matter how many changes are made. It's an interesting question that I think we will address tonight.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that general aviation accidents due to weather should be addressed by the NTSB immediately. Their recommendations to the FAA will play an important role is trying to find effective methods to reduce the number of lives lost. Aviation accidents are always going to be heavily publicized due to the fact that many people do not fly, or only fly a few times a year. Compare that to getting in a car almost everyday and you have the reason as to why; people feel more comfortable in cars instead of flying in something that is significantly more foreign to them. I think we agree that whatever actions are taken by the FAA general aviation organizations will need to step up and address weather related accidents further.
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