You are not alone in feeling deeply offended by Mr. Smith's remarks, Mike. Your retirement days should not be affected in any way by his comments or the assertions of a section of the media trying to ensure the largest possible audience for their lazy attempt to capitalise on another recent aircraft disappearance.
The vast majority of the industry know the barrow that Mr. Smith has been pushing for so many years in relation to the obtaining of clearances for private flights through controlled and restricted airspace and I for one find it abhorrent that he chooses to denegarate the reputations of good people to achieve his aim.
There was only one person who was in direct control of that flight and who had the final decision to make as to whether it departed from Coolangatta, whether it continued into bad weather and whether it returned to land at a suitable aerodrome.
Enjoy retirement, Mike.