On Fri, 14 May 2004 22:31:56 +0100, anonymous coward
wrote:

I'd be grateful if anyone can direct me towards links about the relative
safety of different types of homebuilt aircraft. Not figures I can use to
prove to myself that flying a homebuilt is safe, but a discussion of all
the factors that affect safety in homebuilt aircraft. I haven't found much
through google - perhaps it's a contentious subject?

Though I realise that most of the safety equation is down to the pilot,
presumably some types have safer flying characteristics than others? And
presumably crashes in some types are more survivable than crashes in
others in the same way as some car-wreck scenarios that would have been
lethal 20 years ago are easily survivable today?

AC

David Thurston wrote a book called "design for safety"
heavens! published by tab books 9 years ago.

homebuilts are usually lighter in weight which makes them quicker to
move in turbulence. control forces are usually quite light.
they arent any weaker. most designs are built to the same "g" range as
commercial designs.
every homebuilt is a one off constructed aircraft. it has subtle
differences from every other homebuilt ever built. as well they are
usually lighter built. keep all the switches

I took over a hundred hours to get really comfortable in my homebuilt
but now I wouldnt want to go back to commercially produced aircraft.
persist and you will grow to love the quick responsive flight
characteristics.

things break occasionally. I've lost the tailwheel 3 times now and I
am gradually evolving the design. I think I have it just about right
at last.
you can do that with a homebuilt because you dont have a certified
system to confine you. you also dont have the benefits of the
engineering and flight testing that went into sorting out a commercial
design.

more than any other aircraft type a homebuilt's safety rests squarely
on the abilities of the pilot. the upside of that reality is that you
will fly an aircraft you own for more hours and you will be a more
competent pilot as a result.

little things add to survivability. use a lap sash belt or a 5 point
aerobatic harness. dont have switches in the panel area just in front
of you. dont have a sharp edge to the top of the instrument panel.
dont fly the thing if there is a maintenance issue. fix it first.

I have never felt endangered in all the time I've flown mine.
once you get a real aircraft in your hands I'm sure you'll feel just
at ease.
Stealth Pilot