Sept. 30, 2024, marked the end of the FAA‘s fiscal year and, with it, the conclusion of the annual 12-month tracking of fatal accidents among experimental category aircraft.
While the final totals are still being tabulated, the initial total of 37 accidents is well below the FAA’s not-to-exceed figure of 46 for the period, according to officials with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). That includes 29 fatal accidents in homebuilt aircraft.
These figures also mirror what appears to be an improved year for overall general aviation safety, even as total flight hours have increased, EAA officials added.
“FAA officials have taken notice of these improved safety figures,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “Agency officials have remarked to us how EAA’s programs have helped build the safety culture that leads to these positive numbers.”
Among the EAA programs that are focused on aviation safety, especially in amateur-built aircraft, are the Technical Counselor and Flight Advisor programs, and resources such as the EAA Flight Test Manual that is about to publish its updated second edition.
EAA also works with the FAA to establish safety-minded opportunities, such as the second safety pilot allowance for homebuilt flight testing, association officials noted.