Is Flying Still Safe? A Private Pilot’s Perspective on Recent Aviation Incidents
As a private pilot who regularly flies across the country, I completely understand why recent aviation incidents have made people uneasy about flying. High-profile accidents, near misses, and security breaches naturally generate media-loving headlines that fuel concerns about whether air travel is as safe as we believe it to be.
As a private pilot with 30+ years of flying, I find it crucial to take a step back and look at the bigger picture—both in terms of risk assessment and the measures in place to ensure that flying remains the safest mode of transportation.
Aviation Safety: A Statistical Perspective
First and foremost, let’s talk about the numbers. Air travel is statistically one of the safest forms of transportation, far safer than driving, boating, or even walking in many cases. According to the National Safety Council, the average American has a 1-in-93 chance of dying in a car accident. At the same time, fatal aviation incidents are so rare that they are difficult to calculate in terms of probability. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) work together to meticulously investigate every aviation accident, ensuring that lessons are learned and applied across the industry. It's not a perfect system, but the numbers don't lie.
Even with the recent crashes, the long-term trend in aviation safety has been positive. The last fatal U.S. commercial airline crash before 2024 occurred in 2009. That’s a remarkable record, given the millions of flights that take off and land every year. The airline industry continuously implements improvements in aircraft design, pilot training, and air traffic control technologies, all of which contribute to making air travel safer than ever before.
Understanding Recent Accidents
That said, the recent surge of high-profile aviation accidents has certainly raised concerns. The midair collision near Washington, the fiery Learjet crash in Philadelphia, and the missing aircraft in Alaska all highlight different types of risks that exist within aviation. However, it’s important to analyze each of these events individually to understand their causes and whether they indicate systemic failures.
For example, midair collisions, while devastating, are extremely rare in commercial aviation due to advanced air traffic control systems and onboard collision-avoidance technology.
General aviation (private and small aircraft) flights, on the other hand, do not always have the same level of oversight and technology, which is why such incidents tend to occur more frequently in that sector. The Learjet crash in Philadelphia was tragic, but early indications suggest that it may have been due to pilot error or mechanical failure. These are factors that will be carefully examined in the NTSB investigation.
It’s also worth noting that security concerns, such as stowaways in wheel wells or passengers opening emergency exits, are separate from the safety of flying itself. While these incidents raise important questions about airport security and airline policies, they do not directly impact the fundamental safety of aircraft or their ability to transport passengers reliably.
Challenges in the Aviation Industry
Despite the strong safety record of commercial aviation, the industry does face challenges. One major concern is the strain on air traffic control (ATC) systems. For years, the FAA has struggled with staffing shortages, aging infrastructure, and budgetary constraints, all of which could contribute to an increased risk of close calls. While controllers do an incredible job managing thousands of flights daily, the system is overdue for modernization and expansion.
I fly regularly just outside of the Washington, D.C., airspace, and it's busy. Pilots and air traffic controllers have to be focused and at the top of their game. There is little room or tolerance for errors. But we're human after all, which means we are going to make errors. And that's why there are multiple layers of safety systems and protocols in place. Again, it's not perfect but it's pretty damn good.
Another issue is aircraft maintenance and quality control in manufacturing. The Boeing 737 Max crisis highlighted how corporate pressures and regulatory oversight failures can lead to dangerous consequences. Even though regulatory agencies have tightened scrutiny over aircraft manufacturers, concerns remain about long-term quality assurance and production standards.
Why Flying is Still Safe
With all these challenges, some people may wonder if it’s safe to get on a plane today. As a pilot, I would say without hesitation: yes, it absolutely is. Air travel remains extraordinarily safe because of the many layers of safety built into the system.
Pilot Training and Regulations – Commercial pilots undergo rigorous training and recurrent evaluations to ensure they are prepared for any emergency. Even private pilots like myself must meet strict certification requirements, including ongoing flight reviews and medical checks.
Aircraft Technology and Redundancy – Modern aircraft are equipped with multiple backup systems to ensure safety even in the event of mechanical failures. From automated flight management systems to redundant power and control mechanisms, aircraft are designed to withstand extreme conditions and unexpected issues.
Strict Maintenance Procedures – Airlines follow strict maintenance schedules dictated by both manufacturers and regulatory agencies like the FAA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These maintenance programs are designed to ensure that every aircraft is in flight-ready condition before takeoff.
Air Traffic Control and Safety Systems – Advanced radar, collision-avoidance systems, and digital communication between pilots and ATC help prevent accidents before they happen. Even in cases of pilot error or mechanical failure, these systems add additional layers of protection.
Ongoing Safety Improvements – Every time an accident occurs, investigators work tirelessly to determine the root cause and develop measures to prevent it from happening again. This iterative learning process has driven down accident rates significantly over the past few decades. It is extraordinarily rare to see repeats of accidents in commercial aviation – something that general aviation pilots, like myself, are constantly trying to adopt into our own safety procedures and training.
Final Thoughts
Aviation safety is not about eliminating every single risk. No mode of transportation is 100% accident-proof. But when you compare the frequency of aviation incidents with the sheer number of flights that operate daily without issue, it becomes clear that the system is remarkably safe. The recent tragedies are certainly alarming, and the media loves disaster headlines. But they should be seen in the context of a broader safety record that remains one of the best in any industry.
As a private pilot, I place my trust in the training, technology, and oversight that make flying so safe. I know firsthand the amount of preparation that goes into every flight, from pre-flight checks to in-air decision-making. If anything, these recent incidents should serve as a reminder of why continued investment in safety, infrastructure, and training is so critical.
So, if you’re feeling anxious about your next flight, I’d encourage you to remember the facts: aviation is still the safest mode of travel, and the professionals in the industry are constantly working to keep it that way.
If you’re still anxious, that’s okay. Give yourself a break. It’s a normal feeling.
Have these recent events changed your perception of flying? Do you still trust the system? Or do you feel anxious?