Australia – A new study from the University of South Australia (UniSA) is calling for stronger pilot training measures to address persistent safety challenges in general aviation (GA), which accounts for more than 90% of aviation-related fatalities. The findings, published in the Journal of Air Transport Management, highlight the urgent need for recurrent training, simulator use, and innovative learning tools to improve safety standards.

• Review of 46 studies showed human factors and training deficiencies are the leading contributors to fatal GA accidents.

• Human factors cited include pilot error, poor decision-making, reduced situational awareness, and spatial disorientation, particularly in poor weather and at night.

• GA flights in poor visibility are seven times more likely to result in fatal crashes, while night operations have accident rates up to eight times higher than daytime.

• Critical flight phases such as takeoff, landing, and low-altitude manoeuvring were identified as the most hazardous.

• Researchers warn that many GA pilots maintain only minimum legal currency rather than true proficiency, with long gaps between flights causing sharp skill declines.

• The study calls for:

  • More recurrent and emergency training

  • Greater use of simulators, VR, and AI-driven tools for cost-effective skill building

  • Proactive use of real-time flight data to identify risks before accidents occur

  • Expanded focus on mental health, following evidence that fatigue, financial stress, and workplace culture may contribute to safety risks.

Statements

• “It is not just a recreational sector, but an integral part of Australia’s aviation system, yet the data consistently shows a poor safety record when compared with commercial airline operations,” said lead researcher and UniSA PhD candidate Emma Sheffield.
• “We need to normalise ongoing, hands-on training, whether in the air, in simulators, or through the use of emerging technologies,” added UniSA Associate Professor Paul Lee.
• “General aviation doesn’t have to accept its poor safety record. We know where the risks are and it’s time to act on that knowledge,” concluded UniSA Aviation Professor Shane Zhang.

Source: University of South Australia