old heliman
I can't think why we haven't just taken up your standards willy nilly
Many people in aviation say that - and mean it.
The
reaction of many CAA personnel at the mention of the FAA is very common - often accompanied by a sharp intake of breath. A very experienced proessional pilot friend of mine summed up the syndrome very well: 'Listen to the CAA and you'd think America was some third world country which had just discovered the aeroplane.'
Some specific examples might be arguable but, despite the enormous difference between the FAA's
'Can Do' and the CAA's
'Can't Do' approaches, there's no significant difference in flight safety. The stats vary depending upon events in a particular year but, overall, the evidence doesn't justify the CAA's famous (notorious?) strict approach.
Still, it's a good thing we didn't just adopt the FAA system. If we'd done that, we'd have been deprived of the joys of working under the European Joint Aviation Authorites - and wouldn't have the exciting prospect of working under the European Aviation Safety Agency.
Bet you're sorry you're going to miss that pleasure.
FL