Jay Honeck wrote:
While discussing flight safety in a different thread, the idea popped
into my head that rental planes are probably more dangerous to fly than
owner-flown aircraft. In my case, some of the rental birds I used to
fly were down-right scary, and I know that they were often abused and
ignored.

This as opposed to my own aircraft, which have been meticulously
maintained and pampered. (And, other than the hangar queens that are
owned by "pilots" that never fly, every active pilot owner I know
treats their plane in much the same way.)

Strangely, I can't seem to find any statistics on this seemingly
obvious (and easy-to-compile) issue. Does anyone know if any studies
have been done in this regard?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Hello all,
A disclaimer from the git-go: As a rental pilot, I respond to this
thread with limited experience. I am lucky to rent from a "Certified"
Cessna flight center that owns 1 152, 5 172's (including a new G1000), 1
172RG, 1 182, 1 206, and 1 PA23. This particular flight school also
employs 5 or 6 CFI's (one of whom is also an A&P), as well as two
full-time career flight instructors. There is also a FSDO directly
across the road from this FBO, and FAA employees regularly fly these
rental aircraft.

During the 150 hours that I have rented any one of those planes, I have
had only two occasions to write up a squawk. Once for an alternator
problem (discovered during the run-up), and once for a bad headset
connector. Both of those problems were immediately repaired.

I feel very confident that these planes receive top notch service based
upon the following:

1) Each plane receives thorough pre-flights from students under the
watchful eyes of CFI's.
2) Cessna has a vested interest in making certain that these planes are
airworthy.
3) Each of these planes is used by FAA folks; The FBO darn well makes
sure these planes are up to snuff at all times.
4) Any problems are dwelt with quickly and thorougly by mechanics who
they themselves fly those same planes.
5) All fuel tanks are topped off at the end of the day.
6) All who fly these planes are required to cover the cowels openings
during bird nesting seasons.

and lastly, and not necessarily a repair issue:
6) Each and every time the planes are fueled by line service, the wind
shields are cleaned (at least during the "bug" seasons).

Do I feel that these planes are airworthy? You bet.
Do I still do a thorough pre-flight and double check the maintenance
records before each flight? You bet.