EXPERIMENTAL, AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS REMAIN BELOW FAA DECADE-LONG CHALLENGE GOAL

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Scott Smith

Uptick in aircraft accidents in past year a reminder that continual safety focus is essential

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (November 22, 2019) — While fatal aircraft accident totals in amateur-built aircraft remain at historic lows, a slight increase in the total for the last 12-month reporting period shows the continuing necessity for dedicated educational efforts to push the total even lower, according to the Experimental Aircraft Association.

The Federal Aviation Administration reports that for the 12-month period from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019, fatal accident totals for the experimental category overall, including amateur-built aircraft, racing aircraft, those used for exhibit only, research-and-development, and some types of light-sport aircraft, rose to 52 – five above the FAA’s “not to exceed” goal of 47 for the period. Of that total, 39 fatal accidents were in amateur-built aircraft, an increase of four from the previous reporting period.

FAA measures accident totals on an October-through-September annual basis to coincide with the federal government’s fiscal year. In addition, the National Transportation Safety Board earlier this month noted that fatal accidents in all categories of general aviation increased in calendar year 2018 after several years of decline.

“What this increase tells us is that enhancing safety is not simply a target number to be reached, but a continual effort to build on the positive foundation we have already established,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “We are pleased that the accident totals remain below the challenge goal FAA issued to us in 2010, when the agency asked us to reduce the accident rate by 10 percent over the ensuing decade. It is not enough to simply reach a number, however; we must keep a steady focus on making improvements, especially as the number of general aviation flight hours have increased over the past several years.”

Elliott noted that the overall fatal accident numbers for experimental category aircraft remain much lower than other recreational pursuits, such as boating, skiing and snowboarding, and driving all-terrain vehicles.

EAA has worked closely with the FAA and NTSB on recommendations to reduce fatal accidents, including through participation in the FAA General Aviation Joint Steering Committee that EAA has co-chaired for the past three years. Efforts have also included more than 2,500 copies of the one-year old EAA Flight Test Manual now in the hands of amateur-built aircraft owners and the increasing use of an additional safety pilot during initial flight testing in amateur-built aircraft.

“With already very small numbers involved, a few additional accidents can create a percentage-rate anomaly, so it’s important to focus on driving the overall accident numbers lower,” Elliott said. “We must focus on training, situational awareness, and good pilot skills to complement the ever-improving technology that is part of today’s aircraft cockpits.”

About EAA

EAA embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 230,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAA.

Aviation insurance rates on the rise!

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Scott Smith

Aviation insurance rates on the rise!

Aviation insurance rates are on the rise. For years the aviation insurance market has been pretty slow in increasing the premiums.

But if you have followed my posts and articles, you will know that in the past year rates have been going up and it doesn’t look like it will stop anytime soon.

There are lots of reasons why the increases could be happening: from airline crashes, general aviation crashes, bad weather, to the financial markets. Whatever the reason for the increases. Here are a few things you can do to manage your insurance premium:

Make sure your broker has your most updated and accurate pilot hours. Keep flying and putting on hours. It’s an excuse to fly.
If you have hull coverage, re-evaluate the insured value of your aircraft. Are you insuring it for enough or too much?
Get that advanced rating. While an instrument might not save you a huge percentage, it might open the market for more options.
Keep it simple. Some of the best insurance rates are on fixed tri-gear aircraft. Thinking of moving up to a retractable gear or tail wheel aircraft, be prepared that the insurance rates are going to be higher.
If you are an older pilot don’t let your insurance expire (lapse). Age is also a barrier to getting insurance coverage.

And as a final thought, please note, Insurance Agents/Brokers don’t have any control over the rates of the insurance companies. There’s the old saying, “Don’t shoot the messenger”, and that applies here.

Wrinkles around the landing gear?

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Scott Smith

Question:

I’m looking at a tail wheel aircraft that has wrinkles or dents around where main landing gear legs go into the fuselage. It also looks like a patched area. There is nothing in the logbooks about repairs, has this aircraft been wrecked?

Answer:

Wrinkles do not mean wrecked. But they do typically indicate previous damage or stress. I’d guess the aircraft has had a few hard landings or even a few ground loops. Make sure the mechanic looks for the FAA “Form 337, Major Alteration and Repair” in the aircraft records. You can also order (through the FAA or other search companies) a copy of the FAA 337 Forms for a specific “N” number aircraft. This report will show you any Form 337’s that have been filed with the FAA on that particular aircraft. If that doesn’t show any damage all you have is visual information.

Whatever the result, the mechanic should inspect the gear attach points for un-repaired damage. Landing gear on any aircraft gets a lot of stress. Custom built aircraft are notorious for landing gear damage, along with training aircraft. It doesn’t matter if it is a conventional gear (tail wheel) aircraft or a tri-gear aircraft. New pilots have a tendency to make hard landings and newly completed custom aircraft take a while to become accustom to. Don’t be surprised, just make sure the aircraft is inspected carefully.