Safety Spotlight: A Passenger’s Expectation of Safety

On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright flew for 59 seconds, and aviation as we know it was born. Later that same day, a hard landing followed by a wind gust severely damaged the airplane. This would be an accident—the expectation of safety circa 1903….one accident every four flights.

Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge became the first person to be fatally injured in a powered aircraft on September 17, 1908.

In 1920, a Hadley Page 0/400 operating as a commercial flight attempted to take off in fog and struck a tree. Four of the eight occupants were fatally injured. This was commercial aviation’s first accident.

By 1931, 24 pilots founded the Air Line Pilots Association, and 12 would be killed in aviation accidents. 50% of pilots would be fatally injured flying; aviation safety was improving.

Demand rose in 1929, and 6,000 passengers flew, growing to 450,000 by 1934.

By 1955, for the first time, more people in the US traveled by air than by train. That year, there were 64 airline accidents with 630 fatalities.

Jet travel arrived in 1949 with the flight of the de Havilland Comet. It went into service in 1952. Sadly, the Comet had a fatal flaw, and within a year of entering service, three aircraft broke apart in mid-air.

Pan American flew the first B707 in commercial service in 1958. The jet age arrived, and passenger expectations changed. Turbulent low altitudes and loud airliners were no longer acceptable, nor was the safety record of the past.

Today, aviation is a vital part of modern society. Over 80% of Americans have flown. In 2023, airlines flew 32 million flights with no fatalities, according to Airbus—a remarkable achievement from December 1903. This is the expectation of today’s passengers.

While these statistics are for airline operations, our passengers do not differentiate in their expectations from an airline, to an on-demand air taxi, or an air tour operator. While we in the industry know the regulatory difference, our passengers often do not. They arrive at the airport and board the aircraft, expecting a safe flight. Passengers expect us to uphold the highest safety standards.

Aviation safety has improved dramatically over the years. We have met the rising expectation of safety. We will have to continue to meet this rising bar in the future. It will take all of us, and we will have to use proven tools. Improved design, maintenance, and operation will help, as will CRM, Threat and Error Management, and SMS. Airlines are proof that these programs work. Adopting these tools is beneficial to our industry.

We do not have a choice; we must meet the ever-rising expectation of passenger safety. This requires a commitment to a just culture, where we encourage open communication about safety concerns without fear of retribution. Adhering to established audit standards and integrating programs like ASAP (Aviation Safety Action Program) and FDM (Flight Data Monitoring) will enhance our safety practices. These tools not only improve operational oversight but also foster a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks. By embracing these frameworks, we can ensure that passenger safety remains our top priority.

Go Rentals Discount

Go Rentals shall provide the following rates for vehicle reservations to agents, employees and members of

  • ACSF Toyota Corolla: $64.99 Daily Rate 
  • Toyota Camry: $74.99 Daily Rate 
  • Toyota Rav4: $92.49 Daily Rate

Go Rentals’ standard rates shall apply to reservations in Colorado, Montana, Utah and Wyoming.

Go Rentals shall provide the clients and customers of ACSF (collectively, “Clients”) a 20% discount for vehicle reservations applied against the daily rate in effect at the time of reservation.

MedAire Benefit

Ensure comprehensive safety and support with MedAire’s industry-leading solutions, expertly tailored for Business Aviation. As a valued member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation, you are eligible for an exceptional 20% discount on the first-year retail price of MedAire360 Assistance Membership. 

Why MedAire360?

MedAire360 stands at the forefront of aviation risk management and resilience. The program integrates advanced medical, security, and operational support, meticulously developed through nearly 40 years of industry insights, real-world experience, and technological innovation. MedAire360 ensures each flight is safeguarded with proactive risk mitigation, cutting-edge medical diagnostic equipment, and comprehensive safety training resources. 

Key Benefits:

  1. Discount: 20% off the retail price per aircraft tail. 
  2. Eligibility: Available to new customers only. 
  3. Duration: Discount applies to the first year of MedAire360 Assistance Membership. 

How to Redeem:

ACSF members can take advantage of this exclusive offer by presenting proof of current ACSF membership to the MedAire sales team during the enrolment process. 

Why Choose MedAire?

For nearly four decades, MedAire has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of aviation safety and security. The MedAire360 Assistance Membership is designed to integrate top-tier medical and security assistance, rigorous crew training, and state-of-the-art medical kits for onboard health and safety. The membership provides 24/7 access to aviation medical and security specialists, VIP medical support at destination points, and seamless coordination for essential services worldwide. 

MedAire’s services are crucial in mitigating travel risks and ensuring the highest safety standards. Whether the need is for pre-trip risk assessments, in-flight medical guidance, or emergency support, MedAire360 delivers unmatched expertise and personalised care at every step.