Uploaded August 2021 | Updated September 2026, 12 hours ago
Original press release from 2002:
"Every pilot thinks he or she knows takeoffs and landings," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "But I challenge you to say the same thing after this [video]. The fact is, many of us have been fooling ourselves, and this [video] proves it."
Developed using the massive 39,000-plus-record ASF Accident Database, "Ups and Downs" shows that fully half of all general aviation accidents occur in the takeoff and landing phases of flight. The research showed some disturbing facts about pilot perception versus reality, including:
- Adverse winds, almost universally blamed by pilots unable to control their aircraft on takeoff or landing, actually account for only a little over 14 percent of such accidents.
- Simple loss of control, mostly through pilot lack of knowledge, experience, or skill, causes nearly a third of all takeoff and landing accidents.
- More than 13 percent of takeoff accidents are the result of pilots wrongly positioning flaps, ailerons, rudder, or other basic control surfaces.
- Takeoff accidents caused by power loss are much more common than most pilots believe.
More accidents occur in the take off and landing phases of flight than any other. It is the close proximity to the ground that leaves less margin for error. Some pilots never really master the basics, then it's only a matter of time before they have a problem.
Is the runway long enough? Are there obstructions? What is the density altitude? Is there a cross-wind? How good is your airspeed control? Do you know how to successfully recover from a bounced landing or when to go around? These are just some of the considerations that are addressed in this new safety advisor.
Original press release from 2002:
"Every pilot thinks he or she knows takeoffs and landings," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "But I challenge you to say the same thing after this [video]. The fact is, many of us have been fooling ourselves, and this [video] proves it."
Developed using the massive 39,000-plus-record ASF Accident Database, "Ups and Downs" shows that fully half of all general aviation accidents occur in the takeoff and landing phases of flight. The research showed some disturbing facts about pilot perception versus reality, including:
- Adverse winds, almost universally blamed by pilots unable to control their aircraft on takeoff or landing, actually account for only a little over 14 percent of such accidents.
- Simple loss of control, mostly through pilot lack of knowledge, experience, or skill, causes nearly a third of all takeoff and landing accidents.
- More than 13 percent of takeoff accidents are the result of pilots wrongly positioning flaps, ailerons, rudder, or other basic control surfaces.
- Takeoff accidents caused by power loss are much more common than most pilots believe.
More accidents occur in the take off and landing phases of flight than any other. It is the close proximity to the ground that leaves less margin for error. Some pilots never really master the basics, then it's only a matter of time before they have a problem.
Is the runway long enough? Are there obstructions? What is the density altitude? Is there a cross-wind? How good is your airspeed control? Do you know how to successfully recover from a bounced landing or when to go around? These are just some of the considerations that are addressed in this new safety advisor.
