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Is general aviation safer than riding a motorcycle?

Flying under general aviation (GA) is not safer than driving. Statistically, GA's safety record is closer to the safety record of operating motorcycles.



Statistically, in 2026, general aviation (GA) is significantly safer than riding a motorcycle when comparing fatality rates per 100 million miles traveled. While motorcycle fatalities often exceed 30 per 100 million miles, general aviation—which includes private planes and non-scheduled flights—typically sees a much lower rate, though it is still more dangerous than commercial airline travel. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) consistently finds that motorcycle riding is one of the most dangerous forms of transportation due to the vulnerability of the rider and high accident rates. Conversely, modern GA safety has improved through better pilot training, advanced avionics, and rigorous maintenance schedules. While a small plane crash is a high-impact event that often leads the news, the day-to-day risk of injury or death for a motorcyclist remains roughly 30 to 40 times higher than that of a licensed pilot or passenger in a light aircraft.

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Aircraft Are Much More Regulated than Passenger Cars Laws restrict the number of hours pilots can fly, and there are stringent safety requirements for planes. Considering the high standards every commercial flight is held to, it's little wonder that plane crashes are few and far between.

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There are statistics that provide an answer to this question. If you consider the absolute numbers, one would arrive at the conclusion that driving is more dangerous than flying. The International Air Transport Association reported that there was just one major aviation crash for every 7.7 million flights in 2021.

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