Are private planes less safe than commercial planes?

[Anonymous]

They're MUCH worse for the environment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:my husband flies non-stop on his Gulfstream for business and we fly on it as a family fairly often for vacations etc. never have I felt unsafe or worried I wasn't going to make it to point b, anywhere that might be.

i think they all say that until the first accident

This has to be a joke? gulfstreams are not even in the same realm as a single engine, 4-seater plane.

Why? Gulstreams don't crash? The safest plane is the one with the best trained pilot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:my husband flies non-stop on his Gulfstream for business and we fly on it as a family fairly often for vacations etc. never have I felt unsafe or worried I wasn't going to make it to point b, anywhere that might be.

i think they all say that until the first accident

This has to be a joke? gulfstreams are not even in the same realm as a single engine, 4-seater plane.

Why? Gulstreams don't crash? The safest plane is the one with the best trained pilot.

I think it's likely that the Gulfstream is flown by a professional pilot, though the Gulfstream poster doesn't say. It's a multi engine jet. It's not really relevant to having someone's uncle take you up in a Cessna, though. I think the Gulfstream poster just wanted to brag a little rather than contribute to the conversation.

[Anonymous]

I'm a pilot.

Yes, a 4-place single engine (or light twin) is more dangerous than commercial air travel. Statistics usually put it about the same risk level as riding a motorcycle. Slightly more dangerous than driving a car, mile for mile (by contrast, commercial airlines are far safer than driving).

The biggest factor is the pilot - most light aircraft accidents are traced to pilot error. PP had good suggestions for questions to ask. If you can get a sense of the pilot's tolerance for risk, willingness to push limits, or willingness to delay/cancel the trip if conditions aren't right, that's helpful too.

Traveling by personal aircraft can be an amazing experience - can't beat the convenience, and it is fascinating if you haven't experienced it before. The view is incredible. Personally I would jump at the chance, but you do need to be comfortable with the pilot.

[Anonymous]

I've known 4 people who have died in private planes. None in commercial aircraft.