Dave Butler wrote:

Interesting observation, Jay. I think you are correct about that.
Pilots have a
different perspective on taking risks, and are more analytical than
emotional
about accident reports. Perhaps that's a trait that led us to become
pilots, or
perhaps the additional knowledge we share gives us more information
to analyze.

I think that's applicable to anyone that bothers to analyze the risks
associated with a particular endeavor (for example motorcycling,
skydiving and skiing). That said, Jay has a point. Of the people I've
encountered in those particular activities, there is a large percentage
that do not bother to consider all of the risks and take an "it won't
happen to me" approach. Those are the ones that say, "Never again!"
after a mishap. The rest (a minority, in my opinion) just chalk it up
as a valuable learning experience.

I know several former pilots that hung up their wings after a
particularly frightening experience. They gained a sudden realization
of the risks involved with their activity and weren't prepared to deal
with it.

John Galban=====N4BQ (PA28-180)