Loss Prevention Research

A reasonable estimate based on Avemco Insurance Company claims data and analysis of FAA accident records indicates that General Aviation insurance losses in the US average at least $500 million per year. What is worse, According to 2008 NTSB data an average of roughly ten general aviation fatalities per week! (See http://www.ntsb.gov/aviation/Table1.htm*) While some losses are due to things like hurricanes or theft, it is commonly believed that at least 70% result from pilot-error, and those are typically the most severe.

At Avemco we realize that when one of us in GA suffers a loss we all share in it, whether or not the pilot is insured with us. Every aircraft owner's insurance premium depends in some measure on the judgment, skills, and character of his fellow pilots.

Premiums rise when losses rise; this is an unavoidable fact of economics. But losses are not unavoidable. If we can address pilot error effectively, we can reduce losses, and thereby help control premiums. More importantly, losses are worth avoiding for more than their financial cost. Doing what we can to help the community avoid suffering, death, and property damage is the ethical thing to do.

Sadly, accident causes over the years are mind-numbingly consistent. Despite remarkable advances in technology and all sorts of educational efforts, we see very little change in the causes of loss. We're not sure exactly where the problem is yet, but we are dedicated to discovering and addressing it. To that end, Avemco is sponsoring pioneering research into aviation loss prevention. This project, called the Airmanship Education Research Initiative (AERI) is intended to uncover patterns behind losses and design educational initiatives to help prevent them. AERI does not concentrate on knowledge or skills, but rather on developing a professional approach to airmanship. The AERI's feasibility phase has been completed. Initial findings are quite encouraging. Look for periodic updates on the project here, and in Avemco presentations.

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