David, I Agree. Clearly significant lapses occurred in safety procedures associated with this race. Whether the lapses are systemic (as they were with the Galloping Ghost crash) or an individual lapse is to be determined. Fully 20 seconds elapsed between the Hot Stuff 'canopy up' signal of a problem, and the subsequent impact. That's a lot of time, and not much time. Clearly the "KNOCK IT OFF" procedures were inadequate. Whether they also lacked redundancy, and other characteristics of robustness is TBD. Arguing that the 'risks' just go with the sport are BS.

(Written on 2016年11月07日)(Permalink)

Interesting. I am surprised that Germany is so far behind the power curve on the issue of drug testing and all that implies for safety within aviation. Maybe the European model of safety pursued with such vigor by some in the US isn't all it's thought to be?!

(Written on 2016年01月01日)(Permalink)

Better check your stats: Overall GA safety states are about as bad as pre-helmet law motorcycles, and personal flying is the biggest drag on the GA averages. Spend a little time looking at the NTSB.GOV aviation accident data and reports. There are very good reasons why the FAA requires air taxi to meet higher standards than private pilot and Part 91.

(Written on 2015年12月25日)(Permalink)

Question answered. Troll!

(Written on 2015年10月10日)(Permalink)

Trolll?

(Written on 2015年10月09日)(Permalink)

From what I've read this individual had a double bypass about 18 months prior to his death. I wonder whether that procedure should, in itself, have prevented him from receiving a 1st class medical. FWIW, other pilot incapacitations have occurred recently in GA that suggest pilot 'self certification' may not be a good idea without regular 3rd party review of risks and conditions... as would occur with a periodic visit to an AME with the return period commensurate with the risk to the flying public (and people on the ground) should in flight incapacitation occur. The arguments against an independent medical review seem to come up way short when we consider the vast number of people to persist in driving well beyond the point when they can do so with reasonable risks to self and others. Pilots, after all, come from that same population of persons who practice self deception.

(Written on 2015年10月09日)(Permalink)

Agree with Anthony. I see no difference between this fine (which I would say was still low considering the multiple violations) and fines levied against air carriers or air taxi operators for safety and regulatory violations. I hope we see more and continued vigorous enforcement actions taken against the UAS cowboys and cowgirls who are clearly pushing the envelope. The tension between the rule of law and the attraction of MONEY could never be more evident.

(Written on 2015年10月09日)(Permalink)

The surrogate "mom" deserves all the kudos we can muster. What a great lesson in humility, kindness, and 'pay it forward'!

(Written on 2015年10月02日)(Permalink)

So, the plane experienced a blown tire during the rejected takeoff procedure. Why did the crew reject the takeoff? The blown tire is no big deal. It is obviously preferable to a problem in the air.

(Written on 2014年10月10日)(Permalink)

Agree. Well said. We also have to remember the reason "media" exists: To make a lot of money, either directly from advertising and readership, or indirectly by creating a favorable environment for the industries where owners are invested. "Truth"? What's that got to do with it? "Social responsibility"? Huh? "Accuracy"?... Can anyone spell Zimmerman and the hack job by a certain well known news TV corporation outlet that got him branded as a racist - which - by the way - the Supreme Court just ruled could not be considered "libel"??

(Written on 2014年06月20日)(Permalink)