Catastrophic events in air travel, like the tragedy of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (which disappeared along with its 239 passengers and crew) may explain why 1 in 10 people around the world either feel anxious or scared to fly.
Flight phobics are sometimes so afraid of air travel, they’ll even find alternative routes to their chosen destinations. But is it really safer to drive or to take a boat than it is to fly?
Spoiler alert: It’s not!
Tragic plane crashes are often highlighted by the media because they are so devastating, yet extremely rare. From the plane seats to the cabin air to the course and altitude of the flight, every decision in commercial aviation comes after careful consideration of its impact on safety.
To ease your fear of flying, we at AirWhizz have compiled a list of reasons why flying is the safest way to travel today.
1.STATISTICS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
According to a research conducted by Statistic Brain Research Institute in 2017, the odds of actually being involved in a plane crash is 1 in 29.5 million.
Despite some high-profile accidents in the past few years, the number of aircraft crashes has been steadily declining over the last 20 years, up to the point that 2017 had been declared one of the safest years in aviation history. There were no passenger jets crashes anywhere in the world in 2017, according to the research conducted by Dutch consultancy ‘To70’ and ‘The Aviation Safety Network’.
While plane crashes are often highlighted by the media, the occurrence is extremely rare. In fact, statistics suggest that you are more likely to meet with an accident driving to the airport than flying across the country.
2.FLYING IS ONLY GETTING SAFER
Ever since the Wright brothers invented the airplane in 1903, flying has only become safer!
From sturdy airplane designs to advanced cockpit technology and rigorous pilot training, airlines are investing heavily in passenger safety, making aircrafts safer, faster and more convenient for the passenger.
To put statistics into perspective, there have been two deaths per each 100 million passengers flying commercially over the past 10 years, which looks like a tiny fraction with the 30,000 plus deaths from motor vehicles that take place per year.
3.AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
While no one is helping you watch the road from behind your steering wheel, pilots have many eyes assisting them from take-off through landing with Air Traffic Control.
They rotate around the clock 24 hours a day using radar procedures to track the planes in the sky, give instructions, clearance and information about flight conditions. Your pilots are never the only people in charge of your safety in the air.
4.RIGOROUS TRAINING
If you have a license, think back to your driver’s test! A small test with a demonstration of steering, breaking and signalling while driving in a circle at the RTO.
Pilots don’t have it that simple.
They go through a rigorous training and certification processes. One must go to flight school and receive a license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA). Most airline companies also require pilots to attend at least 2 years of college. There is an intense screening process to determine those licensed to fly. In case you did not know, many commercial aircrafts are also flown by ex-Indian Air Force pilots.
5.TECHNOLOGY
With the advancement in airline technology, Aircrafts make motor vehicles and ships look like vessels from the stone age.
Technology on airplanes controls almost the entire flight. Aircrafts contain turbulence detection programming that can predict the intensity, altitude and movement of turbulence. In addition, runway safety technology communicates between planes to warn pilots to stop if another plane or vehicle might be coming.
These technological improvements control all aspects of flying, from the runway to the cockpit. On top of that, they have a dedicated, professionally trained team to take control of this technology in case it develops a glitch.
6.NO RECKLESS FLYING
Unlike drivers, pilots don’t indulge in multitasking, talking on the phone or zig-zagging the plane while flying.
The airline industry has been made extremely cautious not to commit any errors, no matter how large or small. The entire group of pilots, regulators, and cabin crew possess extensive information about flying hazards, with the goal of preventing accidents rather than just reacting to them.
The pilot will not take flight unless he has been cleared and is positive the plane is safe to fly.
7.MONEY ON THE LINE
According to the International Air Transport Association(IATA), in 2017, almost $769 Billion was spent on aviation and air transport.
This reflects companies directly involved in commercial aviation and those working to apply the latest advances in science and engineering to help the industry achieve ever higher levels of safety. Clearly, a lot is riding on doing it right.
To make sure that flying remains safe, authorities and airlines have also established certain rules and regulations for passengers to follow such as turning off your cell phones to avoid any interference of communication caused between the pilot and the air traffic control tower.
So, if you want to play your part in keeping skies safe, download the AirWhizz app and make yourself aware of such air safety rules and regulations you must follow as a passenger. Apart from this, get real-time flight updates, information about airlines and things to do at the airport at your fingertips.
Fly Safe and Fly Stress-Free!
