United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 1993-12-09 monographic deposited born digital GA 1.13:RCED-94-15 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-RCED-94-15 P0b002ee180380ef4 f:rc94015 DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-28 GAOREPORTS-RCED-94-15 machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-RCED-94-15 RCED-94-15 Aviation Air traffic control systems Airports Transportation safety Aircraft accidents Aircraft pilots Flight training Regulatory agencies Safety standards FAA Airport Improvement Program Aspen Airport (CO) FAA General Aviation Accident Prevention Program FAA Pilot Proficiency Award Program Pitkin County (CO) Chapter Report RCED 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. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-RCED-94-15/html/GAOREPORTS-RCED-94-15.htm GAO/RCED-94-15 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-RCED-94-15 Chapter Report GAO/RCED-94-15; Aviation Safety: FAA Can Better Prepare General Aviation Pilots for Mountain Flying Risks; Aviation Air traffic control systems Airports Transportation safety Aircraft accidents Aircraft pilots Flight training Regulatory agencies Safety standards FAA Airport Improvement Program Aspen Airport (CO) FAA General Aviation Accident Prevention Program FAA Pilot Proficiency Award Program Pitkin County (CO)