Trish,
Just wanted to share this thought after reading everything in this thread. Ever wonder why commercial and civilian pilots are never given parachutes as part of their standard equipment? What would a passenger think if he/she sees a pilot lugging a parachute?
Although I've seen quite a few military pilots going down with their planes with a functional chute at their backs. In all probability they didn't panic, because they were trying to avoid smashing their planes on the houses below.
Also, a phrase comes to mind : Doctors bury their mistakes. Pilots get buried with their mistakes.
"Extended startle effect".... that's interesting. I'll bring this up with my friends and try to come up with some material for you.