10540
Yes there is an element of risk in flying but as in all risky occupations we try to elimate those risks as far as possible.
Ie it doesnt matter whether you race cars, scuba dive or whatever there is a risk.
Scuba dive you dive with a buddy, you follow rules you have computers to calculate your nitrogen levels, you have two regulators should one fail etc.
Racing you have special fuel tanks, flameproof clothes, roll bars etc.
Aircraft dont fly too well if they hit each other and so we try to use all thats available to us to avoid that.
I was always taught that whatever you do thats risky to always have an "out" another plan if something goes wrong another door to take.
If you do anything without that out its Russian roulette.
I came very close to hitting a glider. The Gods were kind the trigger I pulled didnt hold the live bullit but it made me aware.
Of course we take risks many of us here including me fly in nearly all weather at all times of year and the reason I bothered to post this was to share my experience in this flight with others hopefully and statistically it will never happen again.
Pace