pilotwolf,
Without wishing to do this thing to death, you wrote:
"... but I can't believe a licence was issued to someone who, (probably not due to their fault), doesn't know when a flight plan is required or how to file it."
Wellllll, I guess I could look up how to fill in that damn form, and what I'm supposed to do with it...it's been a couple of years since I've flown to Ireland and last had to fill one in, and the old grey matter is a bit overloaded and has buried that bit of info. And let's see...if you're flying more than 10 miles from the coast it's a good idea to file a flight plan, and I'm sure I would...but is it actually REQUIRED...you know what, I'd have to look that one up to be certain...I know, let's ask on PPRuNe; it's easier than remembering where to look it up.
You get my point? Now, if what you meant was that many newish PPLs just barely have the knowledge needed to fly in the modern world, I'd probably agree. Maybe I mean "some", not "many" - how would I know? And yes, sometimes it's due to the...er...imperfections of rushed training establishments and low hours, hourbuilding instructors. We know all this. But I think what some of us are objecting to is the apparent tone of your posts, the "I can't believe a licence was issued" etc. A low hours PPL doesn't need that. He/she needs help, reminding, gaps filled in, whatever it is.
Your post may not have been INTENDED to humiliate Sam. But if I were him, I'd have cringed, oversensitive little soul that I am.
And I think others felt the same way. That's all.
Take care, fellow rotor addict.
Whirly