After having read all the posts in this thread, it appears obvious to me that human factors are involved - to what extent only the official report will show.
I have flown for 42 years (16 years on the DC-9/MD80 series aircraft) and know - like all pilots - that mistakes are made and will be made in the future irrespective of SOP's etc.
Of course it does not mean that improvements in procedures etc. should not be implemented.
But the fact is that commercial aviation is EXTREMELY SAFE - all pilots know this, but the news media often seem to promote the opposite view - unfortunately.
Look at these facts:
Total fatalities in aircraft accidents worldwide 2007:
692. (IATA)
Road fatalities USA 2007:
41059 (Denver Post)
Road fatalities EU 2007:
29516 (EU)
Road fatalities India 2007: approx.
100 000 (source: several websites)
Journalists, please start putting these matters in a proper and fair perspective!
And SLFs, dont worry, sit down and relax - you are in safe hands!
