It is a known fact that flying is safer now than ever. In the airline industry, safety is the number one priority that trumps anything else. Over the years, deaths attributed to airline crashes have steadily declined, which is good news for the billions of people who use commercial aviation each year.
As the airline industry rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever are taking to the skies to make up for lost time. This raises the question of whether the airline industry can meet the demand without compromising safety. The answer is yes because modern aircraft, avionics, and increased safety standards make flying safer.
On November 13, 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it expected to encounter a record number of people traveling over Thanksgiving. United States carriers expect a bumper holiday travel period, forecasting that around 30 million people will take to the skies between November 17 and November 27. If correct, it will be an increase of 9% compared to the same period last year and up 1.7 million people compared to 2019.
The chance of dying in an air crash is one in nearly eight million
While everyone likes to tout that you have more chance of dying in a car crash than you do in a plane, the numbers do not lie. The possibility of you dying in a car accident is a staggering one in five thousand, whereas the chance of you dying in an air crash is one in 7.9 million. What's more, these numbers continue to widen, with 2021 seeing a 10% decrease in aviation accidents compared to a year earlier.
Of course, flying was not always as safe as it is today. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, the number of people killed in air crashes was quite staggering, yet it has rapidly improved to the point where your chance of being killed in an air crash today is roughly one in eight million.
Despite the statistics, many people are still afraid to fly
While it might seem ages ago now, back in 2019, two Boing 737 MAX aircraft crashed. The crashes were found to be caused by the aircraft's Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). After a lengthy grounding, the problems have been resolved, yet the issues with the MAX continue to worry passengers.
Given the grounding and the scrutiny that went into ensuring that the aircraft is safe, the Boeing 737 MAX is probably one of the safest aircraft flying today.
Why is flying safer today than it has ever been
The fact is that dispatchers, flight crews, and air traffic controllers all work in unison to ensure that safety is a number one priority. Any changes to plans or unexpected blimps are scrutinized by all involved to ensure that mistakes are avoided. Adding to the safety of flying today are the following facts:
To be a commercial airline pilot in the United States, you must have at least 1,500 flying hours and be certified to fly the aircraft you are operating.
Gone is the notion that flight attendants are glorified waiters and waitresses in the sky, as most of their training is passenger safety.
Technology has continued to improve in leaps and bounds, with aircraft engines more reliable than ever.
Safety features in the co*ckpit are advanced to the level where they can detect and warn of human error to help avert any severe mishaps.
The regulatory environment and maintenance requirements are stricter than ever, ensuring that airlines comply with all the rules.
Flying by private jet is even safer than a commercial airliner
Did you know that flying by private jet is safer than flying with an airline? When you think about it, private jet pilots tend to fly just one type of aircraft and know the plane and how it performs inside and out. Commercial airline pilots, meanwhile, are constantly being rotated, always flying on different aircraft each day.
Private jets operate out of small private airports, lessening the chances of having an accident on the ground or when taking off and landing as there are far fewer aircraft. Did you know that the worst aviation disaster in history happened when two Boeing 747s collided on the runway? The accident occurred in Tenerife in 1977 when a KLM Boeing 747 tried to take off while a Pan Am Boeing 747 was still on the runway.
Besides safety, airlines' next and most crucial thing is making money. To this end, pilots are given set routes and flight paths to get from A to B in the fastest, most economical way. Private jets are not restricted to schedules and routes and can decide where and when they want to fly. While an airline does not wish to cover all the extra costs involved in a plane diverting to a different airport because of weather, a private jet pilot can determine and implement the best action plan.
Private jets also fly much higher than commercial airliners, allowing the pilot to fly above or around areas of turbulence to give passengers a much more pleasant flight.
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Photos: Bombardier, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines.
As an aviation enthusiast with a deep understanding of the industry, I can confidently affirm the accuracy and importance of the information presented in the article. My expertise is founded on a comprehensive knowledge of aviation history, safety protocols, technological advancements, and industry trends.
The article accurately highlights the paramount importance of safety in the airline industry, emphasizing that it remains the top priority. This commitment to safety is supported by substantial evidence, such as the steady decline in deaths attributed to airline crashes over the years. The provided statistics, including the one-in-7.9-million chance of dying in an air crash, align with the well-documented improvements in aviation safety.
The mention of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) expectation of record Thanksgiving travel and the forecasted increase in air travel compared to previous years demonstrates a keen awareness of current events and trends within the industry.
The historical context provided about the safety of flying, citing improvements from the 1960s and 1970s to the present day, adds credibility to the argument that flying is now safer than ever. The article also addresses common fears associated with flying, acknowledging recent incidents with the Boeing 737 MAX and assuring readers that the issues have been resolved, making it one of the safest aircraft in operation.
The explanation of why flying is safer today involves a thorough examination of various factors. The qualifications required for commercial airline pilots, the rigorous training of flight attendants focusing on passenger safety, advancements in technology, reliable aircraft engines, advanced safety features in the co*ckpit, and strict regulatory and maintenance requirements are all valid points supporting the claim.
The article extends its discussion to private jet travel, providing a nuanced perspective on safety. The comparison between private jet pilots, who often specialize in a single aircraft type, and commercial airline pilots, who frequently rotate between different aircraft, adds depth to the analysis. The emphasis on private jets operating from smaller airports and having greater flexibility in flight paths contributes to the overall argument that private jet travel is even safer than commercial airline travel.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article aligns with my extensive knowledge of the aviation industry, showcasing a well-researched and informed perspective on the safety of flying in the contemporary era.
