The safest aircraft in the world. Rating of aircraft reliability

A man is born with many abilities, but his ability to fly independently, his nature, alas, was cheated. The speed that an average citizen develops is small, and distances sometimes have to be covered by huge ones. Therefore, as civilization developed, many methods were developed to help accelerate the movement: from the use of horses and wagons to the advent of cars and airplanes. Thus, modern man has the opportunity to find himself elsewhere in the world literally after a few hours. This, of course, added comfort to the hectic life of earthlings, but also caused some of them to ask: what is safer - an airplane or a train, or maybe a car?

Inexhaustible statistics

In the minds of people firmly established a common stereotype that air travel is dangerous, and the most stable mode of transport is a car. Such a situation has developed because if an airplane catches a catastrophe, the news of this instantly flies through all existing media publications and mass media, mourning is declared. In addition, the number of passengers affected in such disasters is estimated at the same time by hundreds of people, this is also impressive and frightening.

But if you look at the statistics, the greatest number of accidents occurs with vehicles, especially motorcycles. And convinced bikers risk several times more than orthodox drivers. According to statistics, for every 160 million km, two motorists die, and the figure that talks about the danger of motor transport is alarming - 42 people. In addition, the culprit or provocateur of the accident may not be the driver himself, but another participant in the traffic.

On the second place on safety after cars there are trains. Many passengers are sure that the train is the most peaceful mode of transport, giving confidence in the successful outcome of the trip. But it is not so. The situation when a train crashes does not happen as often as a car accident. But since the scales are quite large, especially in terms of the number of victims, such events are noticeable and tragic.

So it's safer: plane or train? The answer is unequivocal: the plane. However strange it may sound at first glance, air crashes happen much less often than others, and according to the total number of victims calculated according to a covered kilometer or for a certain time, they are considerably inferior to other types of movement. For example, a year in accidents involving aircraft, an average of about 2 thousand passengers perish. If we compare this figure with the victims of car accidents, the conclusion becomes obvious.

Security contest

Now that the statistics speak for themselves, it's time to clarify another important point. Is there the safest aircraft in the world? You can answer this question by understanding what is meant by the safety of the aircraft. For the average inhabitant of the planet, who does not delve into the subtleties of air transportation and servicing of individual aircraft fleet units, the most reliable aircraft is the one on whose account the minimum of air crashes. But we must take into account that not only the design of the side is of fundamental importance in the operation, the human factor is no less important . Of course, those companies that produce many different models with advanced passenger security features and a lengthy flight experience are more popular and rated.

It is statistical studies that determine which planes are safer. Accordingly, trusting the promulgated lists, people make up their minds about the quality and safety of the flight. Thus, the rating of safe aircraft includes various models of Boeing (747, 767, 757, 737 NG) and Airbus (340, 330, 320). According to various data, which leads the statistics of safe aircraft, this list includes a Brazilian-made airliner Embraer and a McDonnel-Douglas ship. As for the first, this is a plane designed for near flights. It began to be manufactured relatively recently. But despite this, accidents involving the Brazilian side have not yet been recorded.

Leading tandem

The title "The safest aircraft in the world" is shared between two aviation companies - "Boeing 777" and "Aerobus 340". The second aircraft from this duet has many variations and is intended for intercontinental flights. It is one of the largest and safest aircraft in the world. For example, the model A 340-600 differs in the length of the fuselage: this is the longest aircraft of the Aerobus family. The aircraft of this company are equipped with heavy-duty Rolls-Royce engines. The four-engine turbojet is equipped with a computer navigation and control system, and instead of traditional steering wheels, side joysticks are used.

With regard to security, this can be judged by the catastrophes or malfunctions that have taken place with the participation of Airbus. There were only 5 cases, three of which were fatal. It is noteworthy that two of them were triggered by a mistake by the pilots or crew of the ship. The rest happened accidentally: a fire on board when towing, tires burst on the chassis and a terrorist attack was carried out. In November 2007, Toulouse recorded the last case of victims, provoked by a human factor. But "Aerobus 340", although firmly established in the rating of safe aircraft, does not stand competition with "Boeing" because of fuel overexpenditure. Recently, orders for the production of "Airbuses" have decreased.

Aircraft number 1: it exists

But still, given the numerous ratings, the honorary title "The safest aircraft in the world" is proudly worn by Boeing 777. Famous "Boeing" cross the airspace around the world, but the board "three sevens" was not seen in accidents with human casualties, excluding terrorist attacks. This is a wide-body liner, designed for long-distance flights. The family of "Boeing 777" was developed in the 90s of the last century, but they were put into operation since 1995. Aircraft of this class during its existence covered about 20 million km of airways, and all flights passed without significant collisions. This is the first liner in the world, planned and created entirely with the help of computer technology. It recorded the first record of the range of flights among passenger aircraft. In all, 748 similar airliners have been built at the moment. Almost in all statistical studies, "Boeing" "three-seven" tops the rating of safe aircraft.

But for some reason, undeservedly forgotten turboprop ships. And in vain, because many of them are distinguished by quality and safety. The most reliable aircraft from the group of turboprops is "Saab 2000". This Swedish air miracle has not had a single death in its record for 20 years.

Russian Standards

Russian passenger aircraft, which by security can hardly compete with Western analogs - Tu-154 and its counterpart, Tu-134. These planes conquer the airspace of post-Soviet countries and the states of the Middle East. Tu-134 is produced from the 60s and is one of the most sought-after vessels from Russian companies. With the participation of the Tu-154, the catastrophes were slightly larger, but most of the Russian airlines used it.

According to new safety standards, emissions to the atmosphere, noise levels, these Russian passenger aircraft, created about 40 years ago, are no longer satisfying consumers and the world community, and therefore are subject to modernization or replacement.

Preparatory stage, or flight is allowed

The airplane is a safe transport not only due to improved flight qualities, but also to the staff serving it. The third person after the captain and pilot is an aircraft technician. It is he who oversees all the processes that occur from the arrival of the board to the airport before departure from its limits. Sometimes this responsible person is called a conductor, because it is thanks to him that the flying "orchestra" plays the games synchronously and inspiringly. He is the first to install brake pads and connect the bead to the grounding cable, check all the necessary fasteners (and there are more than a thousand units), and in general, there are no trifles in the work of aircraft. In his hands, human lives, so in the event of a fatal error, aircraft engineering is expected to be criminally liable.

He conducts a visual inspection of the aircraft for damage, checks the oil level in the engine, the state of the runway. In addition, the aircraft technician is in communication with the crew, figuring out if there were any problems during the flight and landing. This person controls and coordinates the work of airfield services, the cleaning of the cabin, and the assortment of the board with water and food. The flight conductor monitors the loading of baggage in accordance with the approved scheme. He acts exactly according to the rules and does not miss a single trifle. After refueling the aircraft mechanic checks with the sensors and signs the documents permitting the departure.

But do not think that only one person is responsible for the state of the board before departure: it is duplicated by several more inspecting groups, and before boarding the flight must be inspected by the crew. All these actions are carried out for 50 minutes with special care, and control over the work of the mechanic is not a matter of mistrust, but to avoid accidental errors. For the change, this irreplaceable employee of the airport manages to check about 4 aircraft, and several times to pronounce the magic phrase: "Permit permission!"

Places of Survivors: Myth or Reality?

Even people who are not prone to aerophobia, no, no, they will reflect on the question: are there any safe places in the plane? Instinctively, some believe that less dangerous are the seats in the rear of the cabin or next to the emergency exit. Passengers justify this by saying that in the event of a catastrophe, the board will hit the ground with the nose, therefore, the people sitting behind will be less affected. And if there is an emergency situation, then the exit will increase the chance to quickly leave the board. But this is absolute nonsense. Do not entertain yourself with illusions. Looking for safe places on the plane is a useless occupation. In the case of serviceability of the vessel, all will make a landing alive and healthy. In addition, the places that the passenger has planned for himself, like the best, can be occupied. And in nervous individuals, the realization of this fact will lead to panic attacks and the refusal to travel.

Air disasters of the 20th century

The crash of passenger aircraft is an extraordinary event, subject to mandatory fixation and investigation. The history of plane crashes of the 20th century was marked by the first fall of a British passenger aircraft flying to France. Then, in December 1920, 4 people died out of 8 on board.

In 1971, in Alaska, a board with 111 passengers crashed into the mountain. Unfortunately, there were no survivors.

Fatal error: an unclosed cargo door, provoked an accident in the sky of France, took 346 lives. This happened in 1974.

A terrible catastrophe occurred in 1977 in the Canary Islands. Then two "Boeing" crashed into each other. This incident remains the largest in the history of aviation in terms of the number of deaths: 583 people.

In 1979 the excursion liner flying over Antarctica crashed. He encountered the volcano "Erebus". 257 people died.

This is not the only collision with the slope of the mountain: in Japan in August 1985, the Boeing fell, crashing into the mountain of Otsutaka.

The largest in the Indonesian history of a plane crash occurred in 1997: a plane landing, collided with a rock. All 234 people died.

What now?

The new century brought improvements and innovations that contributed to the safety of flights, but catastrophes still happen from time to time. Often, the crash of passenger aircraft is due to the fault of the crew or the inadequacy of the personnel preparing the aircraft. A glaring incident took place in the sky over Greece in 2005. Due to an oversight of the aircraft mechanics, there was a depressurization of the cockpit of the pilots, so the plane, which remained without control, crashed into the first obstacle.

A unique case occurred in the Sudan. There, in July 2003, the plane crashed almost immediately after the flight. And the unusualness of the catastrophe is that by lucky chance the only surviving child was a two-year-old.

In October 2005, a lightning strike struck the Boeing in the airspace of Nigeria. The ship fell on the cocoa plantation, all the passengers were killed.

In general, until the present time, the 21st century has afflicted humanity with the number of serious air crashes reaching 30 cases.

Why do they fall?

This question is sooner or later asked by every passenger. Even the safest aircraft in the world Not immune from catastrophe. According to statistics, the most common factor is the human factor: pilot mistakes, wrong decisions. In second place are unfavorable atmospheric conditions and lack of visibility. A lot of disasters occurred due to malfunctions and malfunctions, which suddenly arose or were not detected in time by aviation mechanics and technicians. Often the cause is unprofessionalism and negligence of dispatchers and airport employees. Not the last place is occupied by the planned terrorist acts.

Pioneers of passenger aviation

And what were the passenger planes in the beginning? It is interesting that the first passenger aircraft was designed with breadth and chic, and its homeland was ... Russia! He was called quite charismatic - "Ilya Muromets." The heroes were converted from a bomber, he had a comfortable salon, his own restaurant, bedrooms with baths. It is noteworthy that the aircraft was heated and provided with electricity. The ship took off in 1913. The following year, "Ilya Muromets" made a record of the range of flights, making a two-way flight from St. Petersburg to Kiev. To my great regret, the further development of events was prevented by the war.

After the American company "Ford" has created a reliable aircraft, which was used to transport passengers (8 people) for many years.

Aerobobs for a note

Why are some people panicked about flying? Psychologists say that this is due to the inability to monitor any situation. And even though many more people die in road accidents and such accidents occur more often, the entrenched stereotype of a safer car trip does not allow curbing irrational fears.

Aerophobia prevents people from significantly reducing travel time and enjoying the flight. But with such fears you can and must fight.

1. Take care of yourself before landing. Do not tarry in anticipation, but read a book, a magazine, listen to music. Women are not forbidden to visit the shops and please themselves with new things.
2. While waiting for take-off on board, you should not sit back. Read, watch movies, listen to the player or in the extreme case, slowly think about yourself.
3. Consolate yourself with stories from the past: in fact before, too, there were planes that lagged behind in equipment, and nothing, they were in demand.
4. As for health, do not worry: sometimes aviation is used even for the transport of seriously ill people.
5. Not bad to afford 100 grams of alcohol or a special drug that removes fear of flying. But do not take medication without consulting a doctor.
6. And remember: wedge knock out with a wedge - fly more often!

There is also a number of psychological techniques that can be learned from a psychologist and applied at the right time.

Synthesis of information

Choosing a safe plane, be guided by the prestige of the airline, its budget and experience in the field of air travel. And most importantly, trust the crew, because they fly with you on one board, therefore, are confident in the safety of the flight.