Key Statistics
(National Safety Council)
(NTSB)
(Federal Aviation Administration)
(Boeing Safety Briefing)
Why Flying is Safe
Redundant Safety Systems
Modern aircraft are equipped with multiple backup systems for navigation, communication, and control to ensure safe operation in any scenario.
Highly Trained Pilots
Commercial pilots undergo rigorous training, simulation tests, and recurrent certifications to handle both routine and emergency situations.
Strict Regulations
Aviation is governed by strict global safety standards and constantly monitored by aviation authorities like FAA and EASA.
24/7 Air Traffic Control
Flights are tracked and managed in real time by ATC centers worldwide, ensuring aircraft stay on safe, coordinated flight paths.
Regular Maintenance & Inspections
Every commercial aircraft goes through frequent and detailed inspections, from pre-flight checks to scheduled maintenance cycles — often more rigorously than other transport vehicles.
Advanced Engineering & Testing
Aircraft are designed and tested to withstand extreme conditions like lightning, turbulence, and engine failure scenarios. They are built far beyond the stress levels encountered in everyday flight.
Flight Safety vs. Car Safety: A Quick Comparison
Aspect | Flying (Commercial Aviation) | Driving (Cars) |
---|---|---|
Annual Fatalities (US) | Less than 500 (all flights) | Over 30,000 |
Fatality Rate | ~0.07 deaths per 100 million miles flown | ~1.3 deaths per 100 million miles driven |
Odds of Fatal Incident | 1 in 11 million flights | 1 in 5,000 trips |
Safety Systems | Multiple redundant systems, strict regulations, trained pilots | Varies widely by driver behavior and vehicle maintenance |