When we think about traveling risks, we’re most likely thinking about auto accidents—which are more statistically common. Aviation accidents, however, do happen, and they can be catastrophic.
General Aviation Versus Commercial Aviation
To successfully plead your case, it’s important to understand what type of aircraft you were in at the time of your accident, as the laws and regulations can vary. Aviation is divided into three categories: general, commercial, and military. Keep in mind the three categories can cross, depending on the circumstances.
General aviation aircraft hold fewer than 30 people and are used for personal travel. Most general aviation activities include work with agriculture, aerial development, construction, flight training, observation and patrols, photography, search and rescue, and sightseeing.
It is considered easier to become a general aviation pilot, as you only have to be 17 to receive your license, and only 40 hours of training are required for a single-engine aircraft. A tarmac is not required to fly a general aviation aircraft. Because of how expensive they are to fly, helicopters typically fall under general aviation.
Commercial aviation involves aircraft that can carry more than 30 people. These planes depart from large, tarmac airports and are held to higher safety standards than general aviation aircraft. When a person is paying to fly, they are using commercial aviation. To become a commercial pilot, an individual must have 1500 hours of flying time to receive a license and be at least 23 years old. Commercial aircraft are subject to air taxi regulations and airline rules.
Military aviation falls under its own category and is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Now that you understand the differences in air travel options, let’s look at some aviation accident statistics.
