Charter, Fractional Safety Study Published

The fractional aircraft industry has been involved in just seven non-fatal accidents since 1986, the year that this segment of aviation is considered to have been created, according to a new study by business aviation safety analyst Robert E. Breiling Associates of Boca Raton, Fla. In that time, the study shows, fractional aircraft have logged nearly two million miles, giving them the enviable accident rate of just 0.37 accidents per 100,000 miles. However, three of the accidents occurred in the first six months of this year alone, and fractional aircraft have been involved in 30 incidents since 1986. The study, which also lists worldwide charter operators and their accidents over the last 12 years, provides a list of key items to consider before selecting a charter or fractional operator, and includes suggested minimum criteria for pilot requirements, training, maintenance and insurance. The study is available for $250.