20 Percent Decline In Accidents Over Past Year

ANN April 1st Special Edition:  FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt announced at a news conference Thursday that the agency's emphasis on safety and professionalism by pilots had dramatically improved the safety record of GA.  In 2008, there were 275 fatal general aviation accidents in the United States, resulting in 495 fatalities. However, preliminary data for 2009 indicated that there were just 220 fatal GA accidents, a decline of 20%.

"At the current rate, we expect to eliminate all general aviation accidents in the next five years," said Administrator Babbitt. He attributed the success to FAA safety programs along with "complementary programs run by our partners at TSA designed to create a completely safe environment in the U.S."

Responding to questions, the Administrator was asked whether a slower economy in 2009, which resulted in general aviation pilots flying 20% fewer hour than the year before, might have been a factor in the 20% improvement in the fatal accident rate. Administrator Babbitt replied "We'll get back to you on that."

FMI: www.faa.gov