Aviation Safety: FAA Can Better Prepare General Aviation Pilots for
Mountain Flying Risks (Chapter Report, 12/09/93, GAO/RCED-94-15).

About one-third of all general aviation accidents during fiscal year
1992 occurred in the western continental United States, which is
mountainous.  GAO found that the general aviation accident rate was (1)
nearly 40 percent higher for mountainous western states than for all
other continental states in fiscal year 1992 and (2) 155 percent higher
for a group of mountain airports GAO reviewed than for nonmountain
airports.  During the pilot certification process and safety seminars,
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warns pilots about the hazards
of flying in mountain areas. Many fatal accidents occur each year,
however, because pilots are often unfamiliar with the risks of or lack
experience in mountain flying.  Some communities have begun restricting
access to their airports at night, which has led to disputes with FAA.
GAO recommends that FAA (1) issue guidance that identifies mountain
airports, describes the unique challenges the airports present to
pilots, and recommend approach and takeoff routes at those airports
under visual flight rules; (2) provide incentives for pilots to seek
mountain flying training; and (3) modify the written test to include
specific questions on the risks of mountain flying.

--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------

 REPORTNUM:  RCED-94-15
     TITLE:  Aviation Safety: FAA Can Better Prepare General Aviation 
             Pilots for Mountain Flying Risks
      DATE:  12/09/93
   SUBJECT:  Aviation
             Air traffic control systems
             Airports
             Transportation safety
             Aircraft accidents
             Aircraft pilots
             Flight training
             Regulatory agencies
             Safety standards
IDENTIFIER:  FAA Airport Improvement Program
             Aspen Airport (CO)
             FAA General Aviation Accident Prevention Program
             FAA Pilot Proficiency Award Program
             Pitkin County (CO)
             
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