What loss rate should aviation continually strive for, even if not fully achievable?

Striving for a zero loss rate is essential in aviation safety and security because it represents the highest standard of safety and risk management. The aviation industry recognizes that while a perfect zero loss rate may be unattainable in practice, it serves as an important benchmark and goal. Emphasizing this target encourages continuous improvement in safety protocols, technologies, and operational practices.

Setting the aspiration for a zero loss rate leads to a culture of safety where organizations are motivated to identify potential hazards, mitigate risks through robust safety management systems, and invest in training and safety technologies. This proactive approach can significantly reduce incidents and enhance the overall safety environment within aviation operations.

In contrast, pursuing a minimal or fixed low loss rate, such as one percent or five percent, may inadvertently create complacency, as stakeholders might consider accidents to be an acceptable part of operations rather than fully preventable. Therefore, zero loss rate is the ideal that drives the aviation industry towards advancing safety measures and embracing a mindset focused on achieving the highest levels of safety possible.