The theme of this thread is that we should know the risks we're
willing to take on.

There's little doubt an hour in a GA airplane is more risky than an
hour in front of the TV, but the risk is quantifiable and to some of
us, acceptable. I don't subscribe to the notion that when our time
comes, that's it -- there's little reason to offer too much temptation
to that reaper or use that as an excuse for bad judgment..

We -- that is, most of us who read this newsgroup -- are luckier and
lead a more full life than many others. This lifestyle does us at
greater risk of an accidental death, and for many of us, more likely
to have lost good friends too early.

I know all of that, have experienced those kinds of losses, and still,
I'm happy to be at this particular dance. We chose to be here, we know
the risks, and I'm richer for having known some people these life
choices have brought close to me.

Jay, even now you'd likely say knowing this man was better than not
known him. Your grief is testament to that.










On Feb 6, 4:51 pm, "Paul kgyy" wrote:
Death is always an unwelcome intruder. I have 3 acquaintances who
have each lost a lovely daughter, 2 of them teen-agers, another in her
20s. One lost control of her car on ice; one was killed by excessive
speed while riding as passenger on a snowmobile; the third of Lupus,
an immune deficiency disease. Each family was devastated, and the
loss is irreparable.

Personally, my own life was at risk when the driver of a Toyota in
which I was riding as a passenger fell asleep at 70 mph, and
subsequently rolled over 3 times before coming to rest on the
shoulder. I was able to walk away from the car with only heavy
bruising. It would have taken only a culvert, bridge abutment, or
nearby truck to terminate my life.

In a sense, we all live on borrowed time. Knowing this, I accept the
risk of flying and enjoy life. I don't think it's either crazy or
stupid. I frankly feel safer in the plane than I do on urban
freeways, though that's probably an illusion.