EAA welcomes continued trend in safety statistics for homebuilt aircraft

The Experimental Aircraft Association's programs dedicated to enhancing the safety of amateur-built aircraft continue to pay dividends, as homebuilt aircraft accident totals are lower than projected figures through the first 10 months of the 2003-2004 fiscal year that ends September 30.

These welcome numbers continue a trend noted in March 2004, when the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that the homebuilt aircraft accident rate for fiscal year 2002-2003 (ended September 30, 2003) dropped 25 percent, from 218 to 164, from the previous year. More remarkably, fatal accidents for homebuilts dropped 36 percent, from 71 to 52, during that same time frame when amateur-built aircraft registrations surpassed a record-total 25,000 in the U.S.

"The latest figures show how invaluable EAA's programs have been to the continued safety and reliability of homebuilt aircraft," said Earl Lawrence, EAA's vice president of industry and regulatory affairs.  "With August and September still ahead of us, which are historically two of the year's busiest flying months, EAA wants to re-emphasize to all pilots to pay close attention to flight safety.  EAA will continue to serve its members and all of aviation with its programs that improve safety while opening the world of flight to more people."

According to federal figures, the total number of fatal accidents for all of general aviation (including the amateur-built total) stood at 266 as of August 10.  Projected to the end of fiscal year 2003-2004, the total would be 334 -- fewer fatalities than FAA Administrator Marion Blakey's safety benchmark "cap" of 349 she established earlier this year.

In addition, as of August 10 NTSB also reported 44 fatal accidents involving amateur-built aircraft.  At this rate, the 2003-2004 fiscal-year total would be 51, continuing the downward trend in the homebuilt category.

FAA has specifically recognized EAA's homebuilt programs as major factors leading to the reduced homebuilt accident rate.  These EAA programs include Technical Counselors and Flight Advisors, as well as the Homebuilt Aircraft Council and the new volunteer Amateur-Built Designated Airworthiness Representative (AB-DAR) program.  Lawrence also credited the valuable "peer influence" provided by more than 900 EAA chapters in the U.S.  EAA chapters often include a number of experienced builders and pilots who provide an excellent forum for fellow enthusiasts as they complete their aircraft projects.  Most EAA technical counselors and flight advisors are associated with at least one local EAA chapter.

"Simply put, EAA's programs work," Lawrence said.  "They help homebuilt aircraft enthusiasts and pilots construct safer aircraft and fly more safely.  One accident or fatality is always one too many, but these programs are doing an enormous part to enhance safety and further improve the record for all of general aviation.  No one should consider building or flying a homebuilt aircraft without participating in these programs."

FMI: www.eaa.org