Silsoe,
The problem with you/your posts is that you clearly show an inability or a desire to consider the circumstances or context.
Firstly, (posts 125, 126 etc) whilst this forum is called the "Professional" Pilots rumour network, we're actually posting in the Non-airline forums section. Now I fully appreciate that this doesn't mean that if you're not airline you're not professional (i.e. commercial).
However it doesn't mean we all are either. My original post was clearly from a Private perspective and most people understood this. Even it were not, the elements relating to having to notify or advise people of our movements would still be valid in my opinion and many others too.
With respect to the paperwork element, you as a professional pilot may be obligated to complete far more detailed paperwork than a privately operated flight. You're inference was also that by not completing this type of paperwork (an expression that a few of us couldn't even agree on the interpretation) some people were being un-professional.
Let me assure you that I, and many of my non-professional aviator friends, conduct our flights very professionally, I am an obsessive compulsive and a stickler for detail.
I'm also quite happy to play around with my machine albeit in certain circumstances. On a given day, with all the right criteria, I will for a minute or so, play in my helicopter. I will do what I can to ensure it's safe, it's legal but also fun. Maybe its safe, maybe it's not. Maybe it breaks the 500ft rule, the land clear rule, or some other rule. Maybe it doesn't.
However, I can do that because I'm pilot in command, because I've evaluated the environmental conditions and applied my 25 years of flying fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft and calculated in my own mind that I can. I'm probably also flying my own personal machine at the time.
Now, I know what you're going to say. It's going to be something along the lines of "on what authority?, or what gives you the right to?, or what makes you so experienced....." etc etc.
The answer is this. I have a brain and I'm capable of applying all the various elements and making a decision. It may be the right one, it may be the wrong one, but it's MY decision - and I will deal with any consequences be they god, bad or indifferent.
And so far, thank g-d. I seem to be doing O.K.
I don;t know what you do for a living, or anything about you, but you're outspoken for outspoken sake, controversial for controversial sake and unfortunately it's doing you little good.
I can't tell you how many text messages and private messages I've had about you in the last few days. But its a few. No one comments on your piloting ability, but they do describe your personality. Maybe you should apply a bit more common sense and a little less arrogance.
I'm really trying hard, in this post, to show some gesture of cordiality. It would do your cause so much benefit if you did the same.
I remain hopeful, but not entirely convinced. Lets see.
Joel
