Hi Nyal

Entirely agree on the addictions side.

On the other hand I must take issue with the theory that soaring is disruptive
of family life. Apparently , since I took up soaring seriously, as opposed to
the occasional flight, I am a much better person to be around. My general mood
is better, and family life is smoother. Should I neglect to go flying on more
than one weekend in a row, I am reminded pointedly that my soaring is suffering
neglect...

My 13 year old daughter is an air scout, and loves to be involved occasionally
as does my son. Can't do it too often at present, because they can get bored
easily, and there was a lack of nice two seaters to fly them in. I want to fly
XC, the club crates are , well CRATES. So I was forced to order a two seater.

According to my insurance company, soaring is less dangerous than being a hobby
handyman. They load your premium if you use power tools in your garage, but not
if you admit to flying gliders. Maybe I got lucky, but one assumes the quants
have checked the risks. My guess is that - while active soaring is a higher
risk,than being sedentary, the skills of observation and situational awareness,
and self assessment learned all lower risk in other activities. Overall the
insurers see no material change in risk for an active glider pilot. It would be
fascinating to discover why a hand drill is more likely to cause an insurance
loss. Anyone involved in the actuarial side?

Bruce

Nyal Williams wrote:
No one has addressed the real danger of soaring; its
addictive properties.

I've never tried cocaine or crack or any sort of drugs,
but I know it is more addictive than tobacco, caffeine,
colas, or sugaars (all of which I have abandoned and
am free from), and that it is disruptive to work, careers,
families, and every sort of productive endeavor. Who
cares?! Can't and won't quit.

At 18:18 04 November 2007, Mike The Strike wrote:
Years ago, I remember reading of accident and fatality
figures for
occupational hazards in Great Britain. At the time,
professional jump
jockeys were top of the list, with flat race jockeys
not far behind.
Both were ahead of deep-sea fishermen. The advent
of North Sea oil
rigs put some of their workers at the top (divers,
as I recall).

I don't recall any piloting professions anywhere near
the top of the
list.

My conclusion - horses are dangerous and aircraft much
less so.

Mike