September 30 marked the end of the FAA’s fiscal year and with it, the annual conclusion of the annual 12-month tracking of fatal accidents among experimental category aircraft. The preliminary numbers from the agency received late last week appear to present an excellent snapshot of safety over the past year.
While the final totals are still being tabulated, the initial total of 37 accidents is well below the FAA’s not-to-exceed figure of 46 for the period. That includes 29 fatal accidents in homebuilt aircraft. More details will be available in the coming weeks as the FAA’s annual total of GA activity is compiled. These figures also mirror what appears to be an improved year for overall general aviation safety, even as total flight hours have increased.
“FAA officials have taken notice of these improved safety figures,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “Agency officials have remarked to us how EAA’s programs have helped build the safety culture that leads to these positive numbers.”
Among the EAA programs that are focused on aviation safety, especially in amateur-built aircraft, are the longstanding Technical Counselor and Flight Advisor programs, and resources such as the EAA Flight Test Manual that is about to publish its updated second edition. EAA also works with the FAA to establish safety-minded opportunities, such as the second safety pilot allowance for homebuilt flight testing.
