Of course travelling by airline is safer than GA. Similar to train travel which is safer than car travel. Both have set tracks to follow ,monitored along the way by controllers, dual drivers, back up systems backed up by more systems. Though occasionally even these modes of transport have fatalities.
But that is not to say GA or cars are not safe. Just not AS safe.
We really need to stop these people that bash on about safety at all costs from holding sway with governments. I bet most people that work at CASA own and drive a car.( and I bet I could find a few not even roadworthy.)
Fact is there is some risk in everything we do. The sooner we move onto acceptable risk for the class of transport the better. There are some people that think motor cycles should be banned too, and contact sport!
We need politicians with a few balls to stand up to these public servants in high places and put an end to this nonsense.
But of course pigs might fly.