I realise that this post may cause all sorts of negative/positive reactions but here goes anyway:
Would it not be a good idea, for the administrators of this forum, to authenticate and verify posters flying qualifications; i.e. those who claim to be qualified pilots.
After the Tracey Curtis-Taylor debacle I would guess that just about anyone could state in their public profile that they have a PPL/CPL/ATPL/NR/IR etc without actually having any such pilot qualifications and without having to submit any evidence whatsoever.
For instance I am a member of AOPA and when completing my membership application was required to submit my EASA/CAA licence number. The administrators (of AOPA) could then verify this with the CAA. I know that in the USA the FAA has a really good pilot online database, but we have no such checking system in the UK other than contacting the CAA directly. Many might say it's an invasion of privacy but if you're telling the truth what have you got to hide?
I'm not saying that those that are knowledgeable about all things connected with flying (but not qualified pilots) shouldn't make constructive posts and comments. It just seems to me that there is a lot of sometimes very strong and focused comment on this forum without the reader actually knowing if the post author has actually ever flown an aeroplane as a qualified pilot.
Just my ramblings, I am ready to be shot down in flames
