Originally Posted by
john_tullamarine
Having run through this thread to refresh my memory (and deleting a few things in the process), the following points are noted ..
(a) the topic is close to all our piloting hearts and, as a consequence, generates strong feelings
(b) aircraft are not designed to be "perfectly" safe and may be lost in unusual and extreme circumstances .. especially when we get in areas outside the routine design/certification and pilot experience/training paddocks
(c) as aircraft designs become increasingly complex, the piloting fraternity becomes progressively less knowledgeable on the details .. indeed, for many years, most training has been moving to a need to know, rather than nice to know, philosophy. This, combined with a generally low knowledge level regarding certification practices and requirements, can help set up situations as in (b)
(d) with very rare exceptions, it is reasonable to presume that the design, certification, and operational training systems (and pilots) are all trying their level best to do the "right" thing along the way.
That the occasional extreme event crops up is tragic but is also confirmation that the overall system is not too far from a reasonable position .. in that the accident rate from these sorts of events is extremely low.
Can I ask that posters reflect upon their posts prior to putting them in concrete .. the aim is to encourage a rational debate/discussion on the matter with a minimum of huff and puff angst.
The basic rule is "play the ball, not the man"
The moderators will cut a fair bit of slack .. but there comes a point where we must adjudicate.
Would some good soul p l e a s e buy this good man a drink (or five) - and kindly send me the bill - by all means.
Master JT's post should be inscribed on a (bronze?) plaque and displayed upon the walls of all who inhabit these forums - particularly the X vs Y discussion participants.
