TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT SAFETY - AN AVIATION COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

This paper asserts that product liability litigation detracts from rather than enhances the safe design and manufacture of transport aircraft. The historical record is reviewed showing a significant trend toward fewer accidents and that failure of the product has been the cause of less than 18% of transport aircraft accidents. The aviation community's commitment to safe commercial air travel is considered through examination of the goals of safe aircraft design, manufacture, operation, manintenance and operating environment. Finally, specific examples of problems with the current accident litigation system are reviewed and a legislative solution proposed.