How safe are small private planes

[JMorton6]

Wow, I just realized how incredible flying one would be.. the views and the feeling of total and absolute freedom must be incredible. How safe are these things, and what`s it cost to fly one?

 

[amdhunter]

Depends on how tall the buildings are in the vicinity.

 

[Krazy4Real]

It's as safe as how experienced the pilot is.

 

[pontifex]

Probably just as safe as a car. Depends on how much maintenance and upkeep has been done with it and how well you can operate it.

Cost? Well, it's probably a few hundred bucks per lesson until you get your pilot's license and I'm sure you have to take quite a few of those. The cost of the plane itself is probably going to probably be $30k+ depending on age and features.

Then upkeep and fuel is probably going to cost a pretty penny. Not to mention insurance and hangar costs.

 

[summit]

single engine? not so safe.

 

[AstroManLuca]

not so safe

yes very expensive

 

[EagleKeeper]

Couple of threads exist on cost of getting a pilots license.
Figure $5K min for schooling
Flight time is $50-75 / hour depending on location and aircraft.

More people die in auto accidents than plane accidents

 

[coxmaster]

single engine? not so safe.

not so safe

How do you figure?


If you (or the pilot) is properly trained it is quite safe to fly in a small plane.

 

[coxmaster]

Couple of threads exist on cost of getting a pilots license.
Figure $5K min for schooling
Flight time is $50-75 / hour depending on location and aircraft.

More people die in auto accidents than plane accidents

Both of your figures sound a little low. Ive flown (rented) in quite a few different markets and its tough to find a plane for less than 100$ an hour.

5k minimum is also a little low. $6500 is usually what a lot of places say. It all depends on skill/leaning ability and location

 

[techs]

Depends on whether you plan on crashing one into a building.

 

[SKORPI0]

 

[preslove]

They go down a lot more than airliners, but probably not too more dangerous than other extreme mechanical hobbies, like driving a sports car very very fast.

 

[Ronstang]

Go look up the NTSB daily logs. I think you will find that at least one small plane crashes every day. There might be a day that there is none but the last time I looked it was several crashes per day for the whole span I looked at them.

 

[dfuze]

As long as you have a good pilot and well maintained plane I don't see why it wouldn't be safe.

 

[Numenorean]

Very dangerous.

For every 10 small private planes that take off, approximately 9.5 of them crash and burst into flames killing all occupants and at least 2 innocent children nearby.

 

[Farang]

http://www.ntsb.gov/aviation/curr_mo.TXT

 

[MovingTarget]

I wouldn't hesitate to fly in a small plane, and have on a few occasions. With a properly trained pilot and well-maintained plane, it is quite safe.

 

[skyking]

Wow, I just realized how incredible flying one would be.. the views and the feeling of total and absolute freedom must be incredible. How safe are these things, and what`s it cost to fly one?

It is safe enough to give it a try. I suggest going to your local airport and taking an introductory ride. You get to handle the controls once you are airborne.

 

[lxskllr]

An ultralight might be more approachable/affordable for an amateur. If you're looking for scenic vistas, you don't get much better than hanging out in the open under a wing :^D

 

[mmntech]

They're about as dangerous as your average car. Provided it's well maintained and you're with an experienced pilot, they're very safe. If you want to learn how to fly, I suggest checking out ultralights. Great way to get into it. I know a few people who fly them.

 

[LtPage1]

They're perfectly safe to fly, but not very safe to crash.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controlled_flight_into_terrain

and, i can't see how it's no more dangerous than a car. if your car breaks down while you're using it, you most likely will glide to a gentle stop. the same is not true for fixed-wing aircraft.

 

[AstroManLuca]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controlled_flight_into_terrain

There have been over 9,000 deaths...

alright which one of you edited the wikipedia page

 

[JMorton6]

You get to handle the controls once you are airborne.

I`m assuming you`re kidding.

 

[BurnItDwn]

They're perfectly safe to fly, but not very safe to crash.

Hahahahaha that's so true!

Danger level mostly depends on the pilot.
I used to be really into planes and want to fly, but the dream sorta died as I grew up.

If you aren't paying attention, then you're pretty much no better than a drunk driver.. and a major risk to yourself and anybody else potentially around you.

Thunderstorms can be dangerous, I believe the rule of thumb is to stay 20+ miles away.

Don't overload the plane!!!

Don't be cocky!!!

If you're having any issues with your inner ear, don't take the plane out!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, you should be able to trust in your instruments, BUT ... don't take extra stupid risks!

Never overestimate your skills.



Assuming you are responsible, and practice what you learned in class, flying is actually very safe, even in a small single engine plane.