AS9100 CERTIFICATIONS AND TECH ADVANCEMENTS MAKE FLYING PERFECTLY SAFE (DEMO)
People who’ve been told that flying is the safest mode of travel in the world may have reacted in two different ways: they took the assumption for granted, or howled in disbelief.
Despite how some may doubt the safety of air travel, however, there are solid facts to back up the claim. Aurelio Locsin of Demand Media cites data from the National Transportation Safety Board which indicates that flying accounts for nearly zero accidents per million flying miles; and that driving is technically more dangerous–5 million accidents to a mere 20 for aircraft, with 1.27 fatalities and 80 injuries per 1 million miles compared to flying’s zero deaths and almost zero injuries per 1 million miles.
The numbers are in and the score is set; but how is such a seemingly complicated achievement as human flight made so safe?
Advanced aircraft design – Most of the world’s current passenger aircrafts now have electronic controls in place of the old, mechanical ones. The top-notch reliability of such components are ensured by certifications such as the prestigious AS9100, a set of international standards that govern the production of aviation, space, and defense products.
The AS9100 is considered the aerospace industry’s equivalent of the renowned ISO 9001:2008 quality management standard, which is in place to ensure that aviation product manufacturers operate at the highest level of quality and proficiency.
Attainable through the help of an accredited AS9100 registrar like the International Standards Authority, Inc., an AS9100 certification helps in ensuring that the extensive network of businesses in the aviation industry supply only quality products, thereby contributing to overall air travel safety.
Highly trained pilots – Airlines exert a huge amount of effort in the selection and training of their pilots, and for good reason. An experienced and well-trained pilot at the helm could help avert a disaster. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot of the US Airways Flight 1549 involved in the incident known as the Miracle of Hudson, is living proof. Sully and his co-officer Jeff Skiles managed to safely land their plane on the Hudson River, resulting in 155 people surviving what could have been a tragic scenario.
Air traffic control – Pilots never, ever fly on their own. Even when they’re miles up in the air, they have air traffic controllers who assist them literally from takeoff to landing. Using special equipment like radar, air traffic controllers keep track of planes in the sky and give vital instructions and information about flight conditions, 24/7. The pilots are never the only ones in charge of their passengers’ safety in the sky—they have an “army” behind them at all times.
(Source: Is Air Travel Safer than Car Travel? USA Today)