Aviation Safety - How Can We Improve

Recent aircraft accidents, including commercial crashes, highlight the need for rigorous safety protocols, advanced training, and thorough aircraft maintenance. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, ensuring that every flight is as safe as possible is essential for both your well-being and the safety of your passengers.

We explore recent aviation incidents, key safety measures, and practical steps aviators can take to confidently operate their aircraft while minimizing risk.

Recent Plane Accidents and Lessons Learned

Several recent commercial and private aircraft accidents have underscored the importance of safety measures for all pilots. While each incident is unique, common themes such as pilot error, inadequate maintenance, and challenging weather conditions emerge.

Decreased Supply of Pilots and Its Impact on Safety

The aviation industry is facing a shortage of pilots, leading to significant challenges in maintaining high training and safety standards. Several factors contribute to this trend:

• Forced Retirement- In the United States, federal regulations mandate that airline pilots retire at age 65. As of 2023, approximately 2,225 pilots are reaching this mandatory retirement age annually. This number is projected to increase, peaking in 2029 at about 3,750 retirements, as pilots currently aged 58 reach 65.  Over the next two decades, it’s estimated that around 80,000 airline pilots will retire, averaging 4,000 retirements per year.  This wave of retirements contributes significantly to the ongoing pilot shortage, prompting discussions about potentially raising the retirement age to 67 to mitigate the impact. 

• Fewer Military-Trained Pilots: The military has historically been a primary source of highly trained pilots transitioning into commercial and private aviation. However, all military forces have reduced fleets tremendously.  Missions that were once completed using F-16’s or F-18’s are now being flown out of a recliner in a military drone or unmanned aircraft.
• Diminishing Training Requirements: Some airlines and operators are being forced lower hiring minimums to fast-track new pilots into service. While this helps address staffing shortages, it may also lead to less experienced pilots handling complex flight scenarios.
• Increased Workload and Stress: With fewer pilots available, existing pilots are required to work longer hours, leading to fatigue and increased stress. Fatigue is a significant risk factor in aviation safety, as it impairs cognitive function and decision-making.

Pilots must recognize these industry-wide challenges and take additional precautions to ensure safety. This includes investing in their own continuous training, adhering to rigorous maintenance schedules, and proactively managing fatigue before every flight.

IMSAFE: A Personal Safety Checklist

The IMSAFE acronym is a critical tool for pilots to assess their physical and mental readiness before a flight. Before every flight, pilots should evaluate themselves according to the following factors:

Essential Safety Measures for Aviators

1. Prioritize Continuous Training

Ongoing education and training are crucial for . Unlike commercial pilots, who fly frequently and undergo mandatory recurrent training, operators may have longer gaps between flights. Here’s how you can stay proficient:

• Bi-Annual Recurrent Training: Enroll in simulator-based training with reputable organizations like FlightSafety International or CAE to refresh your skills and stay updated on the latest safety protocols.
• Upset Recovery and Prevention Training: Learn how to recover from unusual attitudes and upsets to prevent loss-of-control incidents.
• Scenario-Based Training: Practice handling emergency situations, such as engine failures, rapid decompression, and system malfunctions.
• Crew Resource Management (CRM) Training: Even for single-pilot operations, learning CRM techniques can improve decision-making, situational awareness, and workload management.
• Practice Engine-Out Procedures: Regularly train for single-engine operations and emergency landings.
• Know Your Emergency Checklists: Familiarize yourself with immediate action items and memory items for critical failures.
• Simulate Realistic Scenarios: Work with an instructor or simulator to practice real-world emergency situations, most of the time a FAA certified simulator is the best way to practice real-world emergency scenarios.

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2. Invest in Regular Aircraft Maintenance and Inspections

A well-maintained aircraft is a safe aircraft. Even if your jet is new, proactive maintenance is vital.

• Follow Manufacturer Recommendations: Adhere to the maintenance schedule specified by your aircraft’s manufacturer, including time-based and cycle-based inspections.
• Pre-Flight Inspections: Perform thorough pre-flight checks to identify any irregularities before takeoff.
• Work With Certified Technicians: Always use FAA-certified mechanics and avionics experts to conduct repairs and inspections.
• Monitor Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives: Stay informed about updates from the FAA and manufacturers to address potential safety concerns proactively.
• Invest in Predictive Maintenance Technology: Modern aircraft can be equipped with sensors that detect potential issues before they become critical, helping prevent in-flight failures.

3. Utilize Advanced Avionics and Safety Systems

Modern jets are equipped with sophisticated avionics designed to enhance safety. Understanding and utilizing these systems effectively can significantly reduce risks.

• Autopilot and Flight Director Systems: Use automation properly but remain actively engaged in monitoring the aircraft.
• Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS): Provides warnings to avoid controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), a major cause of accidents.
• Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS): Helps prevent mid-air collisions by alerting pilots to other aircraft in the vicinity.
• Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS): Improves situational awareness in low-visibility conditions.
• Flight Data Monitoring (FDM): Helps pilots review and analyze flight performance to identify areas for improvement like Sheperad Aero. 
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Travis Holland, founder of Shepherd Aero, is a respected expert in general aviation, renowned for solving complex challenges in the industry on a global scale. As an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) with extensive experience piloting aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-24, Cessna Citation, Embraer Phenom, and HondaJet, Travis has made it his mission to support aircraft owners, brokers, and flight departments. Shepherd Aero, under his leadership, specializes in delivering targeted aviation services, turning what seems impossible into reality anywhere around the world. In this article, Travis offers his expert insights into improving both safety and operational efficiency for private jet owners.

“At Shepherd Aero, we understand that operators who prioritize safety, recurrent training, and proactive risk management are among the most responsible in aviation,” says Travis. “Unfortunately, traditional insurance models often fail to recognize the difference between those who adhere to the highest standards and those who don’t. That’s why we’ve created a cooperative fleet insurance policy that rewards pilots committed to operational excellence.”

By incorporating proven air carrier safety practices, utilizing FOQA technology, and mandating continuous training, Shepherd Aero aligns the risk profiles of owner-pilots with those of professionally managed operations. This approach not only helps reduce claims and losses but also fosters a community of pilots united by a shared dedication to safer skies. “Our program is more than just a way to reduce insurance costs—it’s about nurturing a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring that safety-conscious pilots have the resources and support they need to operate with confidence,” Travis concludes.

4. Understand Weather and Flight Planning

• Use Reliable Weather Services: Services like ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, and official FAA briefings provide comprehensive weather forecasts and flight planning tools.
• Know Your Aircraft’s Limitations: Understand the capabilities of your jet in icing, turbulence, and low-visibility conditions.
• Have Alternate Plans: Always have a backup airport and fuel reserve plan.
• Consider Professional Dispatch Services: A flight planning service can add an extra layer of safety.

5. Manage Pilot Workload and Fatigue

• Follow Duty and Rest Guidelines: Adhere to FAA Part 135 rest requirements where possible.
• Use a Co-Pilot When Possible: A second pilot adds redundancy.
• Practice Automation Management: Balance manual flying with automated systems to reduce cognitive fatigue.
• Monitor Signs of Fatigue: Use fatigue management tools to assess alertness before flights.

Flying with Confidence

By prioritizing training, maintenance, flight planning, and technology, operators can significantly improve safety and confidence in their aircraft operations. The responsibility of flying your own jet comes with unique challenges, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can enjoy the freedom of private aviation while ensuring the highest levels of safety.

At SOLJETS, we are committed to helping aviators and operators maximize both performance and safety in private aviation. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your aircraft, enhance your safety protocols, or find expert maintenance support, we’re here to help you navigate your journey with confidence.

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