FLYING magazine safety article

I beg to differ, Tom.

We're pointing out in part what you are saying: Flying more SHOULD
make you safer. However, one of my friends killed last year commuted
from SoCal to Red Bluff weekly in his own aircraft, built, owned and
flew the highest time Glassair III out there, and was in an aircraft he
likely had 2,000 hours in when he met an untimely death. Yes, he was
tragically killed in a midair. He was a good pilot, with extensive
recent experience and exhibited good judgement whenever I saw him.

Those that insist on low passes (at least those executed with poor
judgement), yet fly MORE, are increasing the risk to themselves and
others. High time and frequent flyer pilots still make mistakes,
sometimes fatal. Look through the NTSB accident statistics.

There are many "cops" out there chastizing poor judgement, at least
that which has been observed. Yes, they lack the authority to yank
tickets -- even where it might save a life! And some "cops" have
refused service (e.g., tows -- I have refused to tow people before),
when they feel there is too much risk. Believe me, it is far more
difficult to tell somebody you won't give them a tow than it is to grit
your teeth, give them one more tow and hope for the best.

For some people out there, a BFR is not sufficient recurrent training.
It isn't enough for me, and I hold an ATP rating. Similarly, once a
lifetime is not sufficient for automobile drivers. Once every two
years, as I'm told is required in New Zeland after a certain age, might
be a good start -- for all drivers.

And there need to be more cops on the highways...and the ramps at
airports.

Respectfully,

-Pete

wrote:
You guys are on a roll, here!

Please tell me, what on Earth does the relative accident rates of
driving vs. flying have to do with making gliding safer? In other
words, who cares?

Focus your intellectual energies on something that will make a
difference. Like telling a friend/acquaintance/stranger that they need
dual instruction after witnessing poor flying habits.

When flying, unlike driving, there is no cop up there that will pull
you over and write you up.

Flying becomes dangerous when you fly TOO LITTLE, not TOO MUCH!

Tom