FATAL FLIGHT TRAINING ACCIDENT REPORT 2000 – 2019

Learning to fly is just the beginning of a pilot’s flight training journey that continues well beyond the initial checkride. In contrast with most professions and hobbies, aviation requires routine examination of skills and knowledge. Pilots—whether completing their first solo, cross-country, and checkride or adding an advanced certificate or rating—constantly hone their skills within a safety-minded culture. Without the necessary ground and flight training none of this would be possible.

Accounting for roughly 20 percent of flight activity, flight training remains a key aspect of general aviation. This report seeks to answer questions related to flight training risks and innovations within the past two decades and provides an analysis and breakdown of accidents and accident causes. It concludes with accident prevention and mitigation recommendations for reducing flight training accidents.