4 Biggest Aviation Myths

The following is the four biggest misconceptions in aviation today. All four of them relate to pilot skill and level of safety. One thing is certain, pilots get old by not being bold. The key to safety for the pilot is experience without complacency. Lets examine the four biggest aviation myths.

Myth 1:

It is more dangerous driving to the airport then the actual flying.

Reality:

It is true that on average there are about 45,000 deaths per year in the United States from car accidents. The reason for this is because of the enormous number of drivers on the road, coupled with a variation in driving skill. Flying an airplane is by it’s nature inherently more dangerous. No matter how you look at it, flying is dangerous. Statistically you have a ten times greater risk of an accident from flying compared to driving an automobile. The pilot increases the level of safety for flying by gaining experience. Diversity of experience and maintaining a decrease level of complacency is the key if the pilot wants to remain accident free.

Myth 2:

Learning the FARs is enough

Reality:

While learning the FARs is enough to gain a certificate or rating, it most certainly is not enough for maintaining an appropriate level of safety. Gaining a certificate or rating is simply a license to learn. The prudent pilot is always trying to find better and more safe ways of doing things. This process is never ending.

Myth 3:

Spin training is not necessary

Reality:

While spin training is not needed to obtain a private pilot license, the prudent pilot should put him/herself into this situation with an instructor who is experienced in spin recovery. While it is simple enough to realize that pulling back the throttle to idle, neutralizing the ailerons, stick forward, and apply opposite rudder, results in spin stoppage for most airplanes, you most put yourself in this situation with an experienced instructor for it to really have a learning impact. Hopefully spin recovery will become a requirement for the private pilot license.

Myth 4:

All instructors are equal and therefore it does not matter which instructor I select for my training

Reality:

All instructors are not equal. Some have many years of experience and some are freshly minted and want to get through the instructor phase as soon as possible in order to move on to an airline job. What people in training are realizing today is that many instructors never become airline pilots. Many instructors have no desire to fly for an airline and they prefer instructing students. The best instructors are those who desire a career as an airplane instructor. As in most professions, those who teach are the most highly respected, and this is true in aviation. Train with a career CFI.

So these are the 4 biggest aviation myths. For the individual who desires to become a pilot, you will do well at the onset of your training if you keep the reality of these misconceptions in mind.