The US general aviation industry is far safer than Australia’s, despite operating in more extreme conditions and 10 times the number of aircraft flying. The Australian Aviation Underwriting Pool says that based on accidents per 100,000 hours flown, over a 10-year period there have been 45% more accidents in Australia.

While the US has seen a “significant drop” in accidents over the past 15 years, the Australian general aviation industry has performed badly. AAUP GM Malcolm Baird suggests US pilots have a better safety ethic instilled in their training, as well as tougher insurance requirements.

Now AAUP is holding two-day courses in March for pilots run by a top instructor from the US Aircraft Owners and Operators Association.