By Mike Simmons

Many clients raise a concern about financing “older” aircraft. This is a common issue as the belief is that cars and boats have a useful life but not much is really known about older aircraft – even in the aviation industry! The FAA has continued to claim that aging aircraft impose an increasing threat to safety. However the facts tell a different story. A study was recently conducted by the Air Safety Foundation (ASF) which is part of the Aircraft Owner’s and Pilot’s Association (AOPA). The report shows that for aircraft weighing 12,500 pounds or less (the General Aviation category), aircraft failures caused by mechanical or maintenance problems related to age are declining. The data comes from 20 years of accident information and shows that while the GA fleet has continued to age (the National Aircraft Appraisers Association estimates the fleet at 40+ years), accident levels remained relatively constant. Had age in and of itself been a factor then the number of accidents should have increased as the age of the fleet increased. The numbers also showed that the number of accidents caused by structural failures account for less than one-third of one percent and those accidents were caused by aircraft abuse or maintenance failures. Overall, there is no data that indicates an age or safety problem for older GA aircraft which are well maintained and flown within their envelope.

The report was in response to the FAA’s belief that more regulation was needed for “older” aircraft. While 0% risk is unattainable, the type of legislation proposed by the FAA would unnecessarily ground many aircraft that are currently airworthy.

Mike Simmons is an NAAA/USPAP Senior Aircraft Appraiser and President of Plane Data, Inc.