gasax, I hope you werent refering to me in your post.
The examples I have posted here are facts based on my experience as an instructor. They are not intended as anything other that an illustration of the knowledge and attitudes of some GA pilots out there. Iam not saying they are all like that, far from it. The truth hurts, and Im sure many other instructors can provide similar examples.
I stated in a previous post that I teach to beyond what is expected of me, I give up many evenings to teach theory and flight safety to PPLs in the hope that some day, that knowledge may save their life or keep them out of trouble, so please do not accuse me of sitting back and not contributing towards flight safety. I never mentioned anything about being clever, I have high standards and I expect my students to adopt the same attitude towards flying!
"I have flown with people whose 'stick and rudder' skills were poor - I don't fly with them now. I've flown with people whose 'system' knowledge' (MET, NOTAMS etc) skill was poor - I don't fly with them now. But criticallty most of them do still fly. Not often, not well (IMHO), but they do fly, and the 'system' allows them to continue".
A very good point you make about the system allowing them to fly, thats partly the issue I believe.
Unfortunatly, many student PPLs enjoy the flying aspect of the course but when it comes to the ground exams, try to avoid them like the plaig. Its "generally" a struggle to get them to study. Yes we all hate exams but I think its about having the right attitude towards flying which will ultimately dictate how safe and competent a pilot will be.
Back on topic, there is a simple question which begs to be asked, "Why do we have so many airspace infringements?"
Does anyone know the answer?