535. Why Is Flying Safer Than Driving? | Freakonomics

Intro

In this episode of the Freakonomics podcast titled “Why Is Flying Safer Than Driving?”, the hosts explore the reasons behind the safety of air travel compared to driving. They discuss the extensive training and collaboration within the aviation industry, the role of technology in improving safety, and the challenges faced by both pilots and flight attendants. Additionally, they examine the future of aviation and the ongoing efforts to address pilot shortages.

Main Takeaways

Commercial Aviation Safety

• Flying is safer than driving, with only two fatal accidents involving large US carriers since 2010.
• Commercial aviation trains extensively to prevent incidents.
• Air crashes were more common 30-40 years ago.
• Pilots rely on training to handle emergencies.
• The miracle of flight involves precise control of thrust and control surfaces to safely transport passengers.
• Last year, there was only one fatal crash in the world involving a large commercial jetliner, making air travel extremely safe.

Private Air Travel and FAA’s Safety Efforts

• Private air travel is riskier, with around 300 people dying each year in the US.
• The FAA has been working to reduce the rate of fatal accidents by 80% over 10 years, and has exceeded that goal, reducing it by 83% from 1997 to 2007.
• Delta Airlines has a program where employees are encouraged to report any anomalies they see, which has been a key driver of airline safety.
• The FAA and airlines work closely together to share safety data and training information, and are constantly innovating to improve air safety.
• Airline travel is the safest form of transportation in the world.

Challenges and Lessons from Aviation

• Two recent crashes involving the 737 Max were caused by a faulty automation system.
• The FAA’s relationship with Boeing has been criticized for compromising safety.
• Airlines do not compete on safety, but rather collaborate to improve it.
• Commercial aviation pilots have an enhanced sense of awareness due to constant training and preparation for potential threats.
• The evolution of technology has made airline travel safer over time.
• Pilots’ situational awareness and task prioritization mindset can make them better car drivers.
• The airline industry has become remarkably safe, while automobile travel still has room for improvement.
• Lessons from aviation can make driving safer.

Flight Attendants and Turbulence

• Flight attendants are trained extensively to handle emergencies, including evacuating an aircraft in 90 seconds.
• Flight attendants are first responders and their main job is to keep passengers safe.
• There are only around 30 full-plane evacuations each year out of around 40 million flights, indicating how safe airline travel has become.
• Flight attendants are also trained to handle basic medical problems, and there are around 44,000 medical emergencies on flights each year.
• Flight attendants must also be on the lookout for any security risks during a medical emergency.

Future of Aviation and Pilot Shortages

• Pilot shortages are a result of the pandemic, retirements, and reduced production of pilots.
• Airlines are establishing aviation academies and the government is producing more designated pilot examiners to address the shortage.
• The military-to-civilian pipeline for pilots has slowed due to downsizing and a decrease in interest in aviation.
• The magic and romance of flight is not as prevalent as it used to be, leading to fewer people pursuing careers in aviation.
• Aviation is traditionally male-dominated, but that is starting to change.
• Becoming a pilot is expensive and takes years of training.
• There may be a future with single or zero pilot operations, but the technology and emotional response of passengers may not be ready yet.

Summary

Commercial Aviation Safety and Collaboration

Flying is incredibly safe, with only two fatal accidents involving large US carriers since 2010. This is due to the extensive training and collaboration within the commercial aviation industry. Pilots undergo rigorous training to handle emergencies and ensure the safety of passengers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airlines work closely together to share safety data and training information, constantly innovating to improve air safety. The industry’s collective commitment to preventing fatal accidents has resulted in a remarkably safe form of transportation.

Challenges and Lessons from Aviation

While commercial aviation has become safer over time, there are still challenges to address. Recent crashes involving the 737 Max highlighted the importance of ensuring the reliability of automation systems. The FAA’s relationship with Boeing has faced criticism for potentially compromising safety. However, the aviation industry does not compete on safety; instead, airlines collaborate to improve it. The lessons learned from aviation, such as pilots’ situational awareness and task prioritization mindset, can also be applied to make driving safer.

Flight Attendants and Turbulence

Flight attendants play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of passengers. They are extensively trained to handle emergencies, including evacuating an aircraft within a short timeframe. Flight attendants are also trained to handle medical problems, as there are thousands of medical emergencies on flights each year. Additionally, they must be vigilant for any security risks during a medical emergency. Turbulence, which is the leading cause of accidents on larger US commercial flights, is taken seriously, and flight attendants ensure passengers are protected by enforcing the use of seatbelts.

Future of Aviation and Pilot Shortages

The aviation industry is currently facing pilot shortages due to various factors, including the pandemic, retirements, and a decrease in interest in aviation careers. To address this, airlines are establishing aviation academies and the government is producing more designated pilot examiners. However, the magic and romance of flight that once attracted many to become pilots have diminished, leading to fewer people pursuing careers in aviation. The industry is also working towards the possibility of single or zero pilot operations, but technological advancements and passenger acceptance remain challenges.

Conclusion

Airline travel has become incredibly safe, thanks to the extensive training, collaboration, and technological advancements within the aviation industry. Commercial aviation pilots and flight attendants undergo rigorous training to ensure passenger safety and handle emergencies effectively. Lessons from aviation can also be applied to improve safety in other forms of transportation, such as driving. However, challenges such as automation system reliability, pilot shortages, and changing perceptions of aviation need to be addressed to further enhance safety and sustain the industry’s success.