Carbon monoxide safety awareness survey (pilots and operators)

Results updated 7 Mar 2024

The survey has now closed.

Thank you to those who provided input into the carbon monoxide safety awareness survey (pilots and operators) survey.

We asked

We sought industry feedback via an online survey about the prevalence of carbon monoxide detector use and knowledge among pilots and operators of piston engine aircraft.

You said

We received 566 responses to the survey.

Summary of the results:

• 97% of surveyed pilots and operators agree electronic (active) carbon monoxide detectors are a useful tool.
• Despite this, only 47% are using active detectors when they fly.
• The main barriers to using a detector are lack of information and cost, with some respondents also indicating they intend to purchase an active detector but have not yet got around to it.
• 53% of surveyed pilots use stick-on (passive) detectors. The ATSB have found these variants to be ineffective and unreliable for detecting accurate levels of carbon monoxide in the cabin during flight, due to the ease in which they can become damaged.
• A majority of respondents agree CASA could be doing more to raise awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning as a safety issue and provide appropriate guidance to mitigate against exposure.

Next steps

Over the coming months, we will be rolling out a suite of safety education materials that aim to encourage uptake of electronic (active) carbon monoxide detectors by pilots during flight, fitment of electronic detectors in aircraft, as well as raising general awareness of the impacts to human health from CO exposure.

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