How Safe Is Flying?

Flying is not without danger. During 1970, which was a particularly bad year for flying here, thirty-seven people lost their lives in aircraft accidents. Of course, with all the rugged terrain, the hazards here are multiplied many times.

If you fly for the first time, you may feel a little nervous, or, for that matter, very nervous. You may have questions such as: “How safe is the aircraft? How does the pilot know his way between and over all the mountains? How can he be sure we will not collide with another aircraft flying in the opposite direction?”

Due to strict legislation and high standards of maintenance, serious in-flight mechanical troubles are few. In fact, none of the fatal accidents in 1970 were attributed to mechanical failure.

Also, airlines and charter operators have a pilot-checking system, to ensure that pilots maintain their high standard of flying procedures. Pilots who apply to the Department of Civil Aviation for licenses have to undergo a medical examination and a flight test by a department examiner. In addition, pilots must have a medical checkup every six months. So there is strict and careful control of the physical condition of the pilot, his skill and training. As far as can be ascertained, no fatal accidents in 1970 were due to a physically unfit pilot.

Negligence and Human Error

Pilot negligence is usually the cause of air accidents. A number of recent fatalities, for example, were caused by pilots who, restricted to visual flight rules, nevertheless flew in weather conditions in which vision was restricted. As a result, they crashed.

Of course, jet planes can usually climb to a safe height and, unhindered, proceed to their destination. However, poor weather, along with rugged mountains, are an acute problem in conventional propeller-driven aircraft in this area. Wise pilots flying these planes do not take chances. They may try an alternative route when possible, or stay on the ground until conditions improve.

One day a passenger wanted to be flown to a clearing in the jungle that had only a landing pad for helicopters. It was located in one of the most rugged parts of the country. The passenger contacted the helicopter pilot and made arrangements for the flight. “When are we going?” he asked.

“Oh, soon, I think,” was the answer. “You see, there are a few clouds around; not that they worry me, for I can go around them. Of course, there are these mountains here, but they don’t worry me either as I can keep away from them.”

The passenger looked up as the pilot continued: “But there are those clouds and those mountains over there. They don’t worry me at all, because in this case I just don’t fly!” And they did not fly for three days. When the weather finally cleared, the passenger was flown to his destination safely.

It is the pilot who does not take unnecessary risks who can tell the story! Pilot error reportedly was the cause of all fatal accidents in Papua New Guinea in 1970.