A Basic Analysis Of Aging Aircraft, Region Of The World, And Accidents

Abstract

Differences in aviation safety records around the world should be minimal or nonexistent considering the global nature of aviation. However, significant differences exist and the reasons for those require the attention of governments, regulatory agencies, aircraft manufacturers, airlines and the flying public. One concern is that aircraft are increasingly used beyond their designed economic life. This study focuses on the relationship between aging aircraft and the country where the aircraft was registered. Findings support the idea that in general, the frequency of accidents increases with the age of an aircraft. The study also revealed that there is a correlation between the number of accidents, their severity and aircraft manufacturers. The aircraft’s phase of flight was also related to the number of accidents, with the Approach/Landing phase having the greatest number of accidents. The FAA and JAA have been influential in the development and dissemination of safety programs around the world. However, their efforts have not yet resulted in a world-wide standardization of safety and maintenance programs. This may be an indication that while an aircraft may be a global product, the aviation industry lags behind in becoming a global industry.

The controllability classification of safety events and its application to aviation investigation reports

“…Regarding aircraft age, Herrera & Vasigh (2009) found that the probability of an accident in commercial aviation dropped as aircraft age increased, noticed that most accidents occurred with aircraft between 15 and 29 years old, and detected a declining trend for older 'retiring' aircraft. Conversely, the work of Hansman (2014), who studied accidents between 1959 and 2012, did not support the findings of Herrera & Vasigh (2009) and did not identify significant associations between the age of commercial jet aircraft and accident rates over time. The increase of an aircraft's age has been linked to several factors that influence the sustainment of the fleet and preservation of safety standards (Colavita, Coquelet, Drury, Günther, Lincoln, Neubauer, Pfoertner, Ratwani & Sampath, 2001;ATSB, 2007).…”