Passengers taking control?
I just checked out this thread, and I have a few observations.
Firstly - Having considered all the statements, I must admit to having a feeling of despair! Here we are, a well qualified and mentally healthy (I hope!) community, debating the existence, or non existance of some piece of legislation that exercises yet more control over what we can and cant do.
We recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of flight, when two individuals just upped and decided that they would "have a crack at it". I am left wondering if we would all be enjoying the privileges of flight if they had been subjected to the raft of legislation that encumbers our everyday living.....imagine the wringing of hands at the Department of Transport (or whatever they are called this week!) and the required permits, High Viz Jackets, Health and Safety Risk Assesments, ("hmmm, you will have to get that exposed propeller guarded, and the sound levels emitted by that engine are far too noisy - it needs an acoustic hood!")
Before I get flamed, let me add that much of this is said tongue in cheek, as I realise that some degree of legislation is required for the benefit of the public at large, but I venture that we now go too far in regulating members of the public.
I note from contributors such as Chuck (Take my hat off to you sir!) and others from around the world, and see a refreshing stance, that places the burden of responsibility on the individual. Why ask for regulations, or give the impression that further regulation is required? We are all equipped with the faculty of common sense, and perhaps we do not use it enough? I have in the past, allowed passengers to fly the aeroplane that I am responsible for, and why shouldnt I? As far as I am concerned, I am not instructing, and I still remain legally responsible for the safe conduct of the flight. Naturally, I use my common sense to establish that the passenger is not a drooling half wit, before allowing them to take the controls, whilst I follow through.
However, safety is always paramount, and I accept that there may be occasions when it would not be prudent to allow an unqualified person to fly the darned thing!
Having said that, I now wish you all a very happy and safe 2004, and will now go back to filling in my immigration paperwork for Canada......and NZ, and Australia......
All the best!
Tailwinds and blue skies