By ANN Reader Tony Weissgarber

[We would like to note that this test does not purport to be "scientific," in the actuarial sense of the word. However, it passes the "credibility test" for making sense. Tony Weissgarber has his own aviation safety consulting business, and is also a well-known aviation photographer. He has contributed his expertise to ANN before, with good reviews. Here's his latest good-sense article --ed.]

How Safe a Pilot are You?

Wouldn't it be great if we could devise a simple pilot's test, which might tell the pilot whether he or she is safe or unsafe?

This is such a test. There are three basic criteria: currency, experience and the pilot's mental attitude. Evaluating currency and experience is simple. Attitude is more difficult to measure.

Currency is frequency and hours at the aircraft's controls.

Experience is hours and years spent at the controls with many numbers of flights and hundreds of takeoffs and landings. Experience is like a fat bank account, which a pilot can fall back on when he is faced with a problem.

Neither currency nor experience alone makes a safe pilot.

The intangible, attitude, plays an important role.
 

The Test:

Currency or frequency: (Pick one)

Experience:

Attitude: (Difficult to measure; be honest.)

Scoring:

• If you scored 120, consider yourself a safe pilot.
• If you scored 90 or more, you are probably a safe pilot.
• If you scored 80+, you should be cautious.
• If you scored 70+, you should be really careful.
• If you scored 60+, be cautious and careful.
• If you scored in the 50s or 40s, watch out!
• If you scored less than 40, get some instruction, or make sure your insurance is paid up.

FMI: www.aerialssatx.com/flightsafety.htm