On 18 Sep 2006 21:05:37 -0700, "Dan" wrote:

So, based on these numbers, I have a 1.3% chance of a fatal accident
before I reach 1000 hours. Wow, that is a bit high....

My mother recently died in a motorcycle accident, and that brings the
risk of such things a bit closer to home if you know what I mean...

--Dan


Dan Luke wrote:
"Marc Adler" wrote:


As you have probably guessed, this information is for calming a wife's
worry about her husband's burgeoning interest in flying...

If that's what you're after, you probably won't like what you find.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM

This thread seems to have been hijacked by problems with vehicles on
the road but to reply to the original question. My way of thinking is
as follows:

As has been already said, the vast majority of accidents are pilot
error. The more cautious you are the safer you're likely to be.

When it comes to aircraft failures they are minimal but if you do
loose an engine hopefully it will not be a serious problem. All
aircraft are gliders, they only need power to take-off!

Small aircraft will still fly (just) at around 50mph so any
unscheduled landing (crash) should be safer than say hitting another
car coming in the opposite direction at the same speed (100mph head
on?).

For non-flyers I usually mention the space shuttle is a glider and
lands without an engine! Ok if flies like a brick but it can still be
controlled to a safe landing.

Maybe you and your wife could be persuaded to take an introductory
flight with an instructor who maybe able to reduce her fears.

My wife gave me an introductory lesson in about 1987 as a way of
"getitng it out of my system". Wrong!!! In 1991 I got my PPL and now
have nearly 500 hours and fortunately my wife will fly with me.

Good luck!

DAvid