| "THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN OLD ACCIDENT, ONLY NEW PILOTS HAVING OLD ONES" |
m. Aviation is fascination. Each and every individual I have met is keen to contribute to what we call "risk reduction". Together, we are succesful. In fact it is amazing how safe flying is, considering the inherent threats and hazards we face on each and every flight. According to IATA statistics, the chance of getting involved in a (commercial) aviation accident is less than 0,7 per one million departures.
Nevertheless, we cannot just enjoy a good statistics and lean back. A troublesome number of runway excursions enters the statistics year after year. Pilot are losing control over their airplanes year after year. The high number of close calls that were recovered just in time remains hidden in the dark.
IFS has organised the "Third European Flight Test Safety Workshop" in 2009. This workshop was held in cooperation with the renown Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP), Society of Flight Test Engineers and the Flight Test Safety Committee. The "3rd European Flight Test Safety Workshop" was a real success. From 10 to 12 November 2009 more than 70 test pilots met from all over the world, discussing "First Flight".
In 2011 we continue with our desire to connect flight testers from all over the world. This year´s workshop - the "5th European Flight Test Safety Workshop" - addresses a very delicate topics: "Demonstrating Prototype Aircraft - Risks and Preparation".
Visit www.flighttestsafety.org for information on previous flight test safety workshops.
