Whenever we are faced with challenges then it's best to tell the truth.
The facts are that flying is risky!!
If you are going to pack scores of fragile people in narrow tubes and shoot them through the air at 600 mph supported on wings full of inflammable explosive then you shouldn't perhaps be surprised if, occasionally, things go wrong!! Throw in the odd proximity of other flying machines then you increase the risk factor.
This is not a reason for complacency since those of us who are intimately involved in the industry are constantly striving for perfection.
The problem with the media is that they have to appeal to the ranks of the "great-unwashed" and dumb down the facts to keep them hungry. Bad news sells the newspapers!
What about circa 3,500 pople killed on UK roads every year (that's about 10 a day!!!) - if ever there was a national tragedy to report this must be it. Compare this to the hysterical media reaction to the Hatfield train accident (by this I am not belittling the loss of life in this or any accident).
Personally I have decided not to read a newspaper or listen to he news - we have a choice, use the off switch and cancel the papers!
I am not saying we shouldn't be concerned with what's going on in the world but it's also important to keep it in perspective.