While every worthwhile activity in life entails some element of risk, being a pilot is an area where you have an enormous amount of control over your exposure to risk. The pilot has the final say in the kind of weather they fly in, the terrain they fly over, the kind of airplane the fly in, the amount of extra fuel they carry, etc.  Therefore, flying is all about risk management. We accept risk in every activity of our lives.

There is even a small, but real risk every time we ride in a car. However, we generally don’t think about the risks involved in driving, because it is so commonplace and a necessary part of living in today’s society.  Statistically, the accident rate flying aircraft roughly approximates that of riding motorcycles.  However, when riding a motorcycle you are exposed to the mistakes caused by others, whereas with flying you are mostly only vulnerable to your own mistakes.  This is why most pilots like to use things like checklists and fly often to stay proficient.

Studies clearly show that pilots who get good training, maintain their proficiency and fly well-maintained aircraft will enjoy a lifetime of flying without an accident or incident.