Aviation Facts & Analysis

If you’re wondering about the chance of your flight crashing, here’s the direct answer: for a large commercial flight, the probability of a serious crash on any given flight is roughly 0.000001%. That translates to about 1 in 100 million flights experiencing a crash. The odds of dying in a commercial airplane crash are approximately […]

Key Takeaways You can usually use your mobile on a plane, but only in airplane mode. Voice calls over the cellular network are still banned on most U.S. flights as of April 2026 under Federal Communications Commission and Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Airplane mode is mandatory during taxi, take-off, cruise, and landing on virtually all

A pilot deviation is any action—or failure to act—by a pilot that violates Federal Aviation Regulations, air traffic control instructions, or established procedures. Whether you’re flying VFR on a clear day or navigating complex instrument approaches, understanding what constitutes a deviation and how the FAA responds can make the difference between a minor learning experience

If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD at any point in your life, you’re probably wondering whether your dream of becoming a pilot is still within reach. The good news is that FAA policies have evolved significantly, and the August 2024 updates created clearer pathways for many applicants with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to earn their

If you’ve ever booked a charter flight or considered chartering out your aircraft, you’ve likely encountered references to Part 135. Understanding this regulation is essential for anyone involved in commercial aviation outside the major airlines. Key Takeaways FAA Part 135 is the U.S. regulation governing commuter and on-demand operations—including charter flights, air taxis, air ambulances,

Key Takeaways Modern aviation represents one of humanity’s safest and most remarkable engineering achievements. Here’s what you need to know: Commercial planes withstand lightning strikes, extreme air pressure changes, and even single-engine failure through redundant safety systems Airplane windows are round with a tiny hole to distribute pressure evenly and prevent catastrophic metal fatigue Aircraft

Turbulence occurs when an airplane flies through unstable air caused by uneven heating of the earth’s surface, mountain ranges, jet streams, severe thunderstorms, and wake from other aircraft. Despite that unsettling bumpy ride, modern aircraft are engineered to handle even severe turbulence without structural damage. Key Takeaways Airplane turbulence is caused by irregular air movements

When an airplane loses power and has nowhere else to go, pilots sometimes make the difficult decision to bring it down on water. While dramatic and terrifying for those aboard, an emergency plane landing in water is often survivable when executed properly. This article explains how these events unfold, what pilots and passengers do during

Private jet travel has become increasingly relevant for business travelers with tight schedules. But when comparing private jets to commercial flights, the speed question isn’t as simple as checking cruise speeds. The real answer lies in understanding total travel time from your starting point to your final destination. Key Takeaways Private planes are often faster