thrustucantrust - Bwana you are too correct! Good topic as it has not been discussed enough.
The bush pilot (contract pilot) culture is very dangerous. Most of us have had to go that route to get the films and taste the posho, to open doors to that next job. Me thinks the rule of survival is one must know when enough is enough. One can only hope that you will learn fast and not run out of luck before you move to the better job.
I do agree with you on the statements that its always the "GREAT PILOTS" that are dead....pretty weird!
Especially in Africa one can say NO to that extra pax, extra kg, extra hour, extra leg, etc....as there is always kesho...But it is easier said then done when money is on the line. Also peer pressure does no good, and there is enough of that around in that environment.
KESHO