Originally Posted by
SomedayRJ
...So apologies if I've tread on any toes, but the perception that a light airplane is inherently unsafe is ridiculous. Properly maintained and operated within their limits, and with a healthy respect for weather, they're just as safe (or unsafe) as airliners.
Not inherently unsafe, but not as safe as staying away from either
I don't make a point of flying around on a jet on my days off either.
In any event, small planes are not as safe/unsafe as airliners, there just aren't the safety margins. Look at certification. How many light twins can lose and engine and be guaranteed to fly out of it? How many planes have ETOPS level back ups? Radar, deicing, TCAS. EGPWS... the list goes on.