Age-Related Changes in Selected Status Variables in General Aviation Pilots

Nine status variables were analyzed in an attempt to narrow the focus of where, within the active pilot population, to look for some of the factors that may be associated with increase in risk of becoming involved in a general aviation accident. Epidemiological analysis of general aviation pilots indicates that there is a significant rise in the accident rate for pilots after age 39. An analysis was made of changes in the frequency of occurrence of selected status variables between pilots in the 35 to 39 and those in the 40 to 44 age groups who were involved in general aviation accidents in 1992, 1993, and 1994; between pilots in the 35 to 39 and those in the 40 to 44 age groups in the active pilot population; and between accident-involved pilots and those in the active pilot population. Status variables analyzed were Federal Aviation Administration pilot and medical certificates, instrument rating, flight time, pilot occupation and gender, and purpose of the accident flight. The two age groups of accident-involved pilots differed on only one variable. However, examination of the data showed two distinct differences between accident-involved pilots and the active pilot population. The most substantial finding for both age groups was that accident-involved pilots were significantly different from the active pilot population. Second, with the exception of class of FAA medical certificates, accident-involved pilots did not differ significantly with age whereas the active pilot population differed significantly over five status variables.