Originally Posted by
ShropshirePilot
The bottom line is this - the aircraft had, I assume, an autopilot. If that's the case this flight could have been handled safely by almost anyone who could operate the AP. Regardless of legalities, or of his qualifications which seem to be the subject of much conjecture. Many people seem to know someone who knew him (I do too) and who rated his skills. But he made TERRIBLE DECISIONS at many stages of the flight, and that can happen to any human being CPL/IR or not (albeit less likely I suppose). Terrible decisions in aviation cost lives. We've seen it before and we'll see it again.
The chap flying the display at Shoreham was a CPL/IR as far I am aware and a crash happened. So CPL is not necessarily the panacea some posters on here seem to think.
My own conclusion is that the aircraft should have been operating under an AOC and I reckon the authorities need to examine why it is so expensive to get one because the processes entailed in operating under an AOC do improve safety. Safety should be priced such that more people can access it!?