Originally posted by JW411:
If that is really true then I am absolutely flabbergasted. Was he completely unaware that such problems had happened in the past and might just ruin his day if he didn't have a bloody good look?
His words not mine, I have no reason to doubt him. I've known him for many years and always considered him to be professional. He seemed unaware and genuinely shocked. I consider it highly unlikely that he is an exceptional case.
It's not however the first time I tripped over an inexplicable yawning gap in an experienced pilot's aeronautical knowledge. No doubt I have some myself. I place some of the blame on the curious emphasis of modern training systems. Certainly, to my eyes they don't seem to place "Rule 1 - don't crash" in it's rightful place. Still, I'm becoming a grumpy old fart.