Why air travel is the safest mode of

transport.
Introduction
Let’s face it, the past ten years have been challenging for the aviation industry. From the
disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, to the recent shooting down of a Ukrainian jet
over northern Iran. These few incidents accompanied by many others have left millions
around the globe wondering whether they’ll ever step foot onboard an airplane again. But
today, I’m here to push those thoughts aside and present to you why Air travel is the safest
mode of transport.

First Reason: 1) A huge difference in incident rates compared to other modes

of transport.
I’m sure you’ve seen countless movies featuring nasty incidents, such as Air Force One, Die
Hard 2 or Snakes on a plane. However, don’t let Hollywood shy you away from the fact that
air travel is by far the safest & most efficient mode of transport. Every day 100,000
scheduled commercial flights take to the skies, each with 200 + souls onboard. Put that into
perspective & you get 18,600,000 people each day. That figure accumulates to six billion,
seven hundred and eighty-nine million passengers every year. In 2016, a total of 325 people
lost their lives in a recorded 19 aviation accidents worldwide. I know what you’re thinking,
this statistic is quite alarming. But when you refer to the 6 billion passengers each year, it
becomes evident just how minimal the risk of an accident truly is.

Second Reason 2) As time progress, air travel is becoming increasingly safer

due to the advance technology implemented into these aircraft.
Without a doubt, the technology implemented into these modern aircraft is second to none.
I’m telling you that airline technology makes motor vehicles look like they’re from the stone
age. And yes, I’m aware that cars do have the ability to use GPS, but technology of
airplanes can control the entire flight. One amazing piece of technology in aircraft, is
turbulence detection which predicts the intensity, altitude and movement of the rough air.
Another fantastic program is your Traffic Collision avoidance system (TCAS) which warms
pilots whether another aircraft is on their flight or Collision path. These technological
improvements control every aspect of flying, from the runway components to the operations
in the cockpit. In most cases the Captain/FO are only required to perform T/O & landing.
However, don’t let this scare you, as every moment in the flight deck they’re monitoring
every system. Finally, the largest technology increase is the “Fly-by-wire” control, which
includes the most recent electronic control rather than your outdated machinal control found
on the B707 & B737 Classic.

Third reason 3) All Pilots are required to complete an extensive number of

theory & practical components to receive their RPL, PPL & CPL compared to
a simple theory test taken when going for your L plates.
Does anyone in the audience have their driver’s license? If so, think back to your learner’s
test. All it consisted of was a small theory exam. When looking at qualifications needed to
receive your pilots license, the differences hit the roof. Firstly, all applicants must be 18 or
over compared to age 16 in South Australia. All pilots are required to undergo an extensive
amount of theory work to learn the principles of flight. Complete flight training at a CASA part
141 or 142 flight training organization (company such as FTA, The largest Training
organization in the southern hemisphere). They’re also required to meet the minimum
aeronautical experience requirements, as well as pass a CPL theory exam & CPL Flight test.
On top of all the standard requirements to receive the CPL, each pilot will then have to get a
type rating for a specific aircraft to be certified to fly it. I should also mention, that to obtain a
CPL, pilots must gain 200 hours (190 hours as pilot + 100 hours of PIC). These hours can
be obtained through the RPL & PPL.

Conclusion.
In conclusion, I want you to trust flying & give it a shot. When you plan your next trip, think
back to this presentation & all the benefits that flying comes with. After all, it saves heaps of
time & decreases your chances drastically of getting yourself into a nasty accident. Flying is
such a privilege and can give you an excellent adrenaline rush during take-off & landing. It’s
your loss!!!