As safe as flying is, new challenges await in 2018

Q: Can you explain some of the factors that led to such a safe year for aviation in 2017?

A: In 2017, commercial aviation flew more than 4 billion passengers on 38 million flights without a single fatality in a scheduled jet airliner. This wonderful milestone is the work of thousands of dedicated professionals in the aviation industry.

Is it a surprise? No, it is the continuation of a trend that has been underway since the beginning of heavier-than-air flight in 1903. Becoming a part of the aviation industry in 1970, I have gotten to witness this remarkable journey to become the safest form of public transportation in history.

Manufacturers built better, safer airplanes with improved design and performance. Pilots improved their skills. Regulators provided improved oversight, and accident investigators generated better analysis of the decreasing number of accidents. Flight attendants improved evacuations, while dispatchers have better tools to make weather forecasts and dispatch decisions. Maintenance technicians improved procedures to enhance reliability and safety.

While 2017 was a milestone year, much work remains to be done. Improving pilot training to reduce the number of loss-of-control events is a priority. Realizing the inherent risk of lithium batteries onboard aircraft is going to require better training and equipment. Learning how to reduce the number of runway incursions and improving runway safety areas remain a challenge. And one of the greatest challenges is how we will address the growing number of unmanned aircraft now sharing our airspace.

John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways.