The FAA reported in November 2009 that the LSA accident rate is “very compatible with what’s going on in the rest of the general aviation world,” according to Randy Babbit, the new FAA Administrator in Flight International.
This is nothing new for LSA enthusiasts, but should extinguish the aura of skeptism surrounding our beloved pastime. While each individual loss is tragic and heartbreaking, the statistical facts prove the fatalities are nothing out of the norm.
In the four-year period from August 2005 to June 2009, the LSAS experienced 12 fatal accidents, resulting in the loss of 18 lives. Altogether, 10 manufacturers were affected. In 2007, an unusually year of high sales and activity, the industry experienced 5 crashes and 8 fatalities. The other measured years had half or less.
Manufacturers and entire LSAS community are making constant strides and continuous efforts in providing safety measures throughout the industry and it show. And now the FAA stats are here to back them up.
Norwalk, CT-based Southern Air Holdings Inc. has hired former DHL Express exec Daniel McHugh to replace retiring founder James Neff. McHugh will take the helm of Southern Air, which charters cargo aircraft to government agencies and corporations from its hub at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Alaska.
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Talk about pressure:
Yes, the current economy has been disastrous for the aviation industry – no avoiding it. But Diannae Ehler, General Manager of Stewart International Airport reported November 17, 2009 to the Stewart Airport Commission that despite the downturn, Stewart is holding its passenger numbers steady.
