Posted by Maffsguy (71.68.11.153) on November 17, 2009 at 12:47:37:
In Reply to: cowboys posted by kel on November 16, 2009 at 21:30:57:
As I have repeated many times in earlier posts, I have the utmost respect and admiration for those who sacrificed so much to build this industry. I will not however, dishonor them by continuing the status quo by silently watching talented, experienced and dedicated aviators go to their deaths. This year alone we lost crews to IFR CFIT and engine out performance. It happens every year, target fixation, mid airs and just plain pilot error.
NexGen aircraft have glass cockpits, HUDs and more power than you can imagine. They also cost a mint, 10's of millions. Congress will not entrust this industry with these unless accident rates go to nil! This achievement will not be by chance or lip service, only dedication, hard work and a willingness to adapt to a modern standardized risk managed safety culture. To not address these glaring concerns will result in a DoD take over of the mission. CALFIRE is doing what it must to survive, I for one applaud their efforts.
WB
PS I probably won't make any friends with this post!