Improved Controls Needed Over Private Pilot Licensing

The National Transportation Safety Board, reporting on general aviation accidents from 1966 to 1974, cited pilot error as the causal factor in over 80 percent of the cases investigated. The Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for initial licensing of private pilots, who must pass medical and written examinations, receive formal training under supervision of an FAA licensed instructor, and pass a flight-test by an FAA designated pilot examiner. Beginning in November 1974 a biennial flight review was required of all active pilots to demonstrate continued competency.