2017 Top Safety Issues in Private Aviation

The NBAA Safety Committee’s data-driven risk assessment process in 2017 decided to focus on a number of key issues in order to improve flight safety.

TOP SAFETY ISSUES

Identified through industry data analysis, these issues should be primary targets of risk-mitigation efforts for all operators.

Loss of Control Inflight

Loss of control inflight (LOC-I) accidents result in more fatalities in business and commercial operations (40-45%) than any other type of accident. Every private jet operator is encouraged to introduce upset recovery training in order to teach pilots how to recognize and correct.

Runway Excursions

Runway excursions are the most common business aviation accident. By recognizing well-identified risk factors, over 54% of accidents could have been prevented if pilots had chosen to go-around.

Many of these type of incidents, are caused by aircraft owners and/or pushing pilots, jeopardizing safety. Developing and sticking to a stabilized approach and landing criteria procedures, as well as using accurate and timely runway condition data, these are highly preventable accidents.

Single-Pilot Accident Rate

Accident rates are consistently higher for single-pilot operated aircraft. Enfranchising single-pilot operators in the broader business aviation safety dialogue and developing resources and methods to lower the risk of task saturation are key to reducing these type of accidents/incidents.

Procedural Non-Compliance

Not sticking to procedures is a sign of reckless behavior that plagues safe operations.

It is necessary for the industry to work together to constructively improve standard operating procedures.

Ground Handling Incidents

While collisions involving aircraft, vehicles, buildings and fixtures on the airport surface are not many and do result in a low number of fatalities, the costs associated with aircraft repairs, including time out of service and diminution of value, are significant.

Integrating ground handling in risk assessment procedures and strengthening line crew/flight crew communication can help prevent many of these incidents.

Distractions

Distractions result in a loss of situational awareness and continue to be the most pervasive ‘human’ threat to safety. Sterile cockpit below 10,000 feet can help prevent this, where no communication between pilots should happen between crew unless to do with the approach and landing.

Countering complacency and automation confusion are also necessary to ensure that managing safety-of-flight technology does not itself become a distraction.

Scenario- and Risk-Based Training and Checking

The need to optimize the balance between learning/checking, and ensuring that learning and checking remains refreshed with the latest identified safety issues and customized to the specific aircraft and type of operation.

Airspace Complexities

With air-traffic on the increase, UAS integration, weather and new technologies, coupled with the increasing complexity of airspace navigation. Professionalism and efficient distribution of workload is needed to minimize the risk of airspace-related errors and ensure waypoint restrictions are being met.

Overall, my advice to clients is hire pilots with the right experience and provide them with more training than required. Anybody that chooses to buy and operate a private jet instead of flying by commercial airline should not be trying to save money on pilot salaries and training. Too many times I have seen regulations and procedures change AFTER an accident has happened and people have lost lives. Look at this ‘expense’ as part of an investment or as part of your insurance policy. Staying safe is FAR more important than trying to be clever and save money. In the long run a well paid and trained pilot ALWAYS works our cheaper anyway…

Fabrizio Poli is Managing Partner of Aircraft Trading Company Tyrus Wings. He is also an accomplished Airline Transport Pilot having flown both private Jets and for the airlines. Fabrizio is also a bestselling author and inspirational speaker & has been featured on Russia Today (RT), TRT World, Social Media Examiner, Bloomberg, Channel 5, Chicago Tribune, Daily Telegraph, City Wealth Magazine, Billionaire.com, Wealth X, Financial Times, El Financiero and many other Media offering insight on the aviation world. Fabrizio is also regularly featured as an Aviation Analyst on Russia Today (RT) and TRT World. Fabrizio is also aviation special correspondent for luxury magazine, Most Fabullous Magazine. Fabrizio is also considered one of the world's top 30 experts in using Linkedin for business. You can tune in weekly to Fabrizio's business Podcast Living Outside the Cube available both in video & audio. You can also follow Fabrizio's aviation videos on Tyrus Wings TV. Fabrizio's latest book "Health4Flyers", the first natural-health book for pilots, flights attendants and frequent flyers is now available worldwide.