Safety concerns as a factor in pilot desire to change aircraft

An anonymous and voluntary questionnaire was completed by 461 (73.4%) Coast Guard aviators at 26 participating Air Stations. Most (92%) pilots felt that helicopters had more dangerous missions and were less safe than fixed wing aircraft (FXAC). Two thirds (204) of helicopter and 19.3% (29) of FXAC pilots stated a desire to change to a different aircraft category. Only 1 (3.6%) of the FXAC pilots but 81 (39.8%) of the helicopter pilots stated their wish for aircraft change was influenced by a desire to operate aircraft they perceived as safer. Pilots who desired change in aircraft category were more senior, more experienced, and felt they were currently engaging in dangerous flight operations. In conclusion this study found that: 1) Coast Guard pilots consider helicopters less safe than FXAC; 2) a substantial proportion of helicopter pilots would like to change to FXAC; 3) safety concerns can be a common factor in pilots' desires to change aircraft.