NTSB to look into amateur-built aircraft safety
July 15, 2011, 02:12 pm
In an effort to further understand accidents involving E-AB, sometimes referred to as homebuilt aircraft, the National Transportation Safety Board has launched a study to help better understand the safety of this growing segment of general aviation, and possibly help reduce the number of pilots life insurance claims.
"Going all the way back to the Wright brothers, amateur aircraft builders have played a crucial and inspirational role in leading the way towards greater achievements in manned flight," said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. "We are pleased to be working with EAA towards the shared goal of improving safety in this particularly innovative sector of general aviation."
Close to 33,000 general aviation aircraft are classified as E-AB, which includes aircraft that can be built from a prefabricated kit, existing plans, or a unique design. This group of aircraft has also experienced much higher accident rates than other comparable GAs.
This will be the first study that will examine the building and piloting of these aircraft. NTSB officials will also receive direct input from the owners and those involved in the design and operations of these E-ABs.
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