1/ 46 years
2/ 12; 7 in military accidents, 5 in civilian accidents, all piston powered light aircraft. 4 of the 5, however were at work hauling checks. Of the 7 military, 5 were ground collisions, 2 mid-airs including one that I survived. Overall, it does make flying sound dangerous.
3/. Yes, don't hit the ground and don't have mid-air!