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Old 22nd Dec 2005, 14:11
  #22 (permalink)  
IO540
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: EuroGA.org
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A comparison with a motorbike isn't fair.

I have about 100k miles on a motorbike (from the 1970s and early 1980s, when traffic density was about 1/3 of today) and, assuming a reasonably competent rider, the chance of getting killed (as opposed to just grinding off a piece of skin) on one is tiny.

Until cars come into the picture.

Then, all of a sudden, you are playing Russian roulette.

You are approaching a side road, with some old geezer (or old girl) about to pull out. He's looking in your direction, you have your lights on, but he still pulls out.

Flying is nothing like that. Assuming a well maintained aircraft (quite an assumption sometimes, if one is limited to standard G-reg self fly hire), 99% of accidents are pilot error.

Mid-airs are so rare one can forget them, as a probability.

The thing I like about flying is that if I plan carefully, fly carefully, the chance of kicking the bucket is miniscule. I would much rather fly than drive, say 100nm or more. And that's true even if I have to do a GPS/VOR DIY IAP at the far end.
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