2008 Nall Report - Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

2008 NALL REPORT
In this nineteenth edition of the Nall Report we have continued to
expand or streamline the data to provide more useful information for
the general aviation pilot. ASF is also having increased media contact,
unfortunately, often brought on by high profile accidents. We
invariably will cite the Nall Report and direct reporters to it for more
background information.
That puts a premium on our getting the information correct and providing
an interpretation that will withstand scrutiny. Perspective is
critical as we address tragedy. Bad accidents that occur rarely deserve
a different response than bad accidents that occur frequently.
Bruce Landsberg
President
AOPA Air Safety Foundation
Technology can help, as we’ve seen with greatly reduced fuel exhaustion
accidents. On new technology aircraft where a microprocessor
serves the role of a technically competent and persistent nagging
passenger, pilots are recognizing that lack of fuel on board is nonnegotiable
and landing while it is still optional. In 2007 there were 90
fuel mismanagement accidents compared to 120 in 2002.
Other areas yield less easily, such as landing. New aircraft designs
or inexpensive simulation have not yet yielded a scenario where just
anyone is able to land in routinely expected conditions. So for now,
the prescription remains as it always has – periodic practice under
the eye of a competent instructor.
The total number of accidents is up this year – not so good but fatal
accidents are down and as best we can determine, by a greater amount
than any decline in flight hours. That brings the fatal accident rate to
a six-year low with only 1999 being lower. The elusive denominator,
flight exposure, is being addressed far better than it has in the past under
FAA’s greatly improved General Aviation Activity Survey.
ASF continues to expand pilot education outreach through live
seminars and our increasingly popular free online course offerings at
www.asf.org. The Nall Report remains our primary source to determine
what topics should be developed.
A major gift from the Estate of Manny Maciel has helped to ensure
the availability of funding for this critical resource. FAA and NTSB
staff deserve much appreciation in providing the massive amounts of
data that are the report’s raw material. Finally, my thanks to all the
ASF pilot donors who make our general aviation safety effort possible.
Safe Flights,
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