Despite being one of the safest modes of transportation, accidents can sometimes occur and, in some cases, result in fatalities. Airlines are obligated to make such payments to the relatives of the deceased, but how much does an airline pay for a fatality?
The amount of compensation an airline gives to the loved ones of a passenger who passes away during a trip is not governed by a general aviation regulation. The sum varies based on the airline, the circumstances of the decedent’s passing, and the legal framework in the nation where the disaster occurred. However, international agreements have set a liability cap that most airlines must adhere to.
Airlines are responsible for damages up to 113,100 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) per passenger under the Montreal Convention of 1999, which regulates international air transport. 1 SDR is comparable to around $1.42 USD as of August 2021. This indicates that the most an airline can be compensated for a passenger’s death on an international flight is roughly $160,000 USD.
Some nations have their own regulations that regulate the liability of airlines in the event of death in addition to the Montreal Convention. For instance, the Air Carrier Access Act mandates that airlines, regardless of the cause of the death, pay up to $75,000 USD to the families of passengers who pass away during a flight.
Moving on to related inquiries, it is not legal in the UK to land a helicopter in your garden without the necessary authorizations from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). All aviation-related activities are governed by the CAA in the UK, and landing on or taking off from a private property requires prior authorization.
Several variables, including the kind and size of the aircraft, how often it is used, and the cost of maintenance and fuel, will determine whether it is more affordable to own a plane or a helicopter. Helicopters often cost more to purchase and operate than airplanes, but they are more flexible in terms of where they may land and take off.
Finally, where in the UK may a private helicopter land? No, as was already indicated, the CAA must first approve any landing or takeoff from a private property. Helicopters must also adhere to strict rules on safety and noise levels.
In conclusion, the sum that an airline is required to pay out in the event of a fatality varies based on a number of variables, such as the relevant laws and international agreements. Airlines are liable for damages up to a certain amount that is determined by international agreements, despite the fact that there is no standard aviation policy. In the UK, there are particular rules regulating helicopter safety and noise levels, and helicopters must adhere to these rules when landing or taking off from private property.