Reflections on Dying in an Aircraft Accident

[plehrke]

I did a quick Google and came up with the following statistics. As all statistics go, you can use them to prove anything you want to prove.

Some statistics on general aviation flying vs. driving:
Death rate per 100,000 hours flown: 1.18
The chance of dying in a crash each year of flying (100 hours of flying): 0.118% (or 1 in 847)
Lifetime flying time=500, then chance of dying is 0.0059% or 1 in 170
1 in 170 pilots that fly 500 hours in a lifetime will die, which is about half the death rate of driving over a lifetime. If a pilot flies 847 hours in a lifetime, their death rate is equal to dying in a car crash. My log book shows 835 hours

Dying in a car crash: What are the chances of dying in a car accident
In a car, 1 person dies per 57,803,468 miles traveled. At an average speed of 50 miles per hour, that's 1,156,069 hours of driving time per death, thus General Aviation flying is about 11 times more dangerous than driving, hour-to-hour traveled.
However, it takes approximately 1/3 the travel time to fly, so flying is rather than driving to a destination is 3.67 times more dangerous than driving.

Personally, I reduce my flying risk a lot more then I reduce my driving risk. I tend to "push the envelop" more when I drive (speeding, F1 lane changes, out at rush hour and all weather, power sliding in the snow, etc) but never do when flying (sunny, day VFR flying at slow, sleepy airports, no high speed passes, no low altitude manuvers, detailed conditional inspections, and day long oil changes).

With currently being down from flying for a year for a second time in the last 5 years due to medical, I have definately thought of not flying again. But then that is not who I am. I will fly until the day I can not drive any longer.

[humptybump]

Over the years, I've absorbed a handful of axims that help me stay happy and at peace with my life. Some contradict others. That's life.

About 10 years ago I was out on my motorcycle (one of the enjoyably fast, flick turns, astounding acceleration / deceleration types). I made it about 5 miles out and nothing felt right. I turned around and headed home. Sighing 3 months, I had sold the bike.

I no longer loved it. I didn't give me the sence of "oneness".

I don't miss the motorcycle. I still find myself looking at them as they roll down the highway and backroads. But I remember that odd feeling and am comfortable and at peace with my decision. There are so many things I enjoy in life.

If a day comes when I no longer love flying; no longer feel "right" with the airplane, I'll park the plane in the hangar. I'll fill the void with something that makes me happy.

[Bob Axsom]

I have followed your posts for a long time and you are far too experienced and mature for me to disrespect your wisdom. You started flying a long time ago and the risk:reward ratio is probably influenced by the shrinking number on the right as much as the expanding number on the left. If the thrill is gone it makes no sense to keep pushing yourself to participate in an activity you know is risky. I fully understand wanting to extend the joy of life with your wife and garden.

Bob Axsom

[pmnewlon]

Originally Posted by rocketbob

I'm thinking I should quit watching TV, reading the news, and really scale back reading some of the forums I keep up with (like this one) and carry on being happy and productive, doing the things I like to do instead of trying to find reasons why I shouldn't do the things I do.

Rosie and I made a conscious decision about two years ago to not watch TV news, and not read the newspaper on a regular basis. You would not believe what a stress reliever it has been. Some would call it hiding in the sand, I call it maintaining sanity. I spend every hour I can with her and my kids, then add in life's spice - flying, motorcycle, scuba diving.

[plehrke]

Originally Posted by pmnewlon

Rosie and I made a conscious decision about two years ago to not watch TV news, and not read the newspaper on a regular basis. You would not believe what a stress reliever it has been. Some would call it hiding in the sand, I call it maintaining sanity.

I get the same comment of "head in the sand" when I comment that I have not watch local or national news nor read a newspaper in over 10 years. Do not miss it at all and I feel I know all I need to know and have a better overall attitude towards the world, not tainted by all the negativness the news brings.

[Brantel]

Originally Posted by rocketbob

I'm thinking I should quit watching TV, reading the news, and really scale back reading some of the forums I keep up with (like this one) and carry on being happy and productive, doing the things I like to do instead of trying to find reasons why I shouldn't do the things I do.

Amen Bob,

I stopped watching and reading the news on a regular basis shortly after 911. I think my heartburn stopped shortly after that!

[rocketbob]

Originally Posted by shamer

I'm always amused by the comment "he died doing what he loved".

This, I think, is one of the stupidest statements often made in the English language.

I love to eat.

Dying while eating is the last thing on earth I want to die as a result of.

[Huck]

There's all types of flying. So many varied types that you really can't lump them together.

The accident Friday has absolutely nothing to do with my flying. Any way shape or form. The same with the T-28.

I'm reminded of last Sunday - I've ridden motorcycles for 30 years, and still ride daily. A woman came up to me at church and told me I needed to quit, for the sake of my kids. Her son had died three years ago on a motorcycle.

But her son was nineteen, owned a modified sportbike and belonged to a local racing club. He died at over 100 mph on a twisty road, a single-vehicle accident. Absolutely nothing to do with me putting down to the YMCA every morning on my Shadow.

[rvator_md]

I would like to post an excerpt from an email that Mike Thompson sent in reply to Doug losing his best friend Dave Spears to an accident 10 years ago. This portion of the email sums it up for me.

"I know that my chances are best to live to an old age if I sell this project and quit flying. (I also know I would have to take a bus to work and do a hundred other things to ensure I die in bed an old man)... but I choose not to. The attraction is too strong, the reward is too great.

I will do the best I can, no man can do more. I will build carefully and fly carefully and if my turn comes while in the air, so be it..."

[Jamie]

Originally Posted by L.Adamson

I like the History and Discovery channels.........too much.

Netflix streaming is stocked full of History and Discovery channel documentaries. Combine that with an antenna to get free over-the-air hi-def (I usually only watch TV for big events like big news items, etc) and you are set. Haven't had cable or satellite in quite a while and don't miss it one bit!