This article seems too statistics-y ... Except that safety is a statistical problem. The question is always whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

This article seems too statistics-y ... Except that safety is a statistical problem. The question is always whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The FAA actually recognizes this. For example, you can build an airplane yourself for your own recreational use without having to comply with almost any of the rules for certified airplanes that are sold commercially, the rationale being that you know what you're getting into and you're risking mostly harm to yourself. However, when it comes to risks imposed by third parties, like buying an airplane from a manufacturer, or an airplane being endangered by people on the ground as is the case with drones or people pointing lasers at airplanes, they are much more conservative. And I think that makes sense.