Ryanair employ a number of Eastern European pilots. Whilst their airmanship is not questioned they come from a culture very different to ours in terms of passenger safety, or, if you wish, paranoia. Vast generalisation on my part, but in a nutshell: In the States they're so scared of being sued that they leave the belt sign on as long as they can (if not permanantly). In the UK they get it just about right. In Eastern Europe you're responsible for your own safety!