Safety Check: Safety Statistics and Enstrom’s Approach
“Statistically speaking, Brand XYZ is the safest helicopter in history!”
How many brands have we heard make that claim before? I understand customers want to know they’re not buying a flying Ford Pinto, but what do assertions like that actually mean? Such absolute and declarative statements always give me pause because, as an academically trained researcher, I understand how statistics work.
The terms ‘statistics’ and ‘data’ are sometimes used interchangeably in safety discussion, but they are distinctly different things. Data are pieces of information and statistics is the practice or science of analyzing quantitative or qualitative data. Because statistics is an analysis of the information, not the information itself, statistics are incapably of absolutely proving a hypothesis. It’s why we use the phrase “the data suggests” rather than “the data proves.” In academic writing, we generally use a significance level of 5% in statistical testing.
For findings to be considered valid and credible in the academic world, we are required to disclose assumptions, biases, limitations, and delimitations. There are no such requirements or expectations in the commercial sector. A savvy salesman can make the statistics say or prove almost anything based on how they ask the question, how they write the hypothesis, what unit of analysis they use, and what data set they pick from. This might lead to readers misinterpreting, misunderstanding, or blindly accepting incorrect claims because they are supposedly supported by statistics and data.
My best advice is that, when you encounter a statistical claim from anyone about anything, attempt to figure out where the data came from and how the author arrived at that conclusion. Then, you’ll be able to decide for yourself how much weight to give the claim.
So, let’s dissect the assertion made at the beginning of the article, “safest in history.” Consider these questions: what data did the author use to make the claim? NTSB accident data for the past 30 years? Does the answer change if that data set is expanded to 50 years? Did the author use anecdotal evidence, and if so, who did they interview? OEM executives? Pilots who’ve flown the aircraft? Pilots who haven’t flown the aircraft? Safety managers? Whoever was sitting around the local Waffle House that morning?
I’m not suggesting you automatically disregard all statistics – historical data and performance are very important – but don’t blindly accept them either. And if statistics aren’t the end-all-be-all judge of safety, what should you be looking for instead? I would argue a product’s safety features and the company’s safety culture.
This is what Enstrom focuses on. Rather than flaunt statistical absolutes or hyperbole, Enstrom highlights the safety features built into the aircraft – high inertia rotor systems, unblocked tail rotor, energy absorbing landing gear, and more. Enstrom’s website, press releases, past newsletters, and other sources demonstrate the company’s commitment to safety both now and in the future, showing me it’s not just salesmen paying safety lip service. Enstrom is not resting on its laurels. They are continually improving their product.
As an operator, I very much appreciate this approach. Give me information and let do my own analysis, making my own decisions about how it impacts safety in my particular operation. I would invite you to consider the information for yourself, but for me, Enstrom is the clear choice for safety.
Jason Cutter, Ph.D is the owner of Venture Helicopters at Frankfort Municipal Airport. He is a contract pilot and former professor at a major research university, where he taught in the aviation school.
About Enstrom Helicopter
From Rudy Enstrom’s early designs in 1943 to initial testing in a Michigan Quarry in 1957 to aircraft operating on six continents, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has maintained a reputation for safety, value and performance. Based in Menominee, Michigan and proudly made in the United States, Enstrom has a rich history for design innovation. The goal is to provide helicopters to the customer’s exact specification and deliver support and maintenance worldwide.