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ACRO E-mail Archive Thread: [IAC] Danger vs. Calculated Risk

Thread: [IAC] Danger vs. Calculated Risk

Message: [IAC] Danger vs. Calculated Risk

Follow-Up To: ACRO Email list (for List Members only)

From: Coderman <Coderman at aol.com>

Date: Thu, 21 May 1998 18:56:27 UTC

Message:

  Damon's advice and sentiments are much appreciated.

Here's my $.02 on semantics. The press paints General Aviation as "dangerous".
A  GA plane crash will always get a headline somewhere. Skillful aerobatic
flying is often called "stunt flying", to the chagrine of those inside the
sport. Airshow flying may be painted as "cavalier" by those not disciplined
enough to understand the delicate balance between showmanship and safety.

Any of these activities, is, by nature, a "calculated risk". When they become
"dangerous" is when we throw out the "calculated" part. There are a billion
ways to be complacent or careless. Checklists, procedures, and planning may be
boring, but they are the "memory" for our calculator.

Even without those billion ways, time and unforeseen circumstance can combine
to be fatal. Figure how much time it takes to cover 20 feet at 160mph and you
have the difference in time on the pullout at low altitude between being a
crater and surviving. Miles' dedication to safety is above question. A
fraction of a second's difference in timing can do in the very best.

Thanks Damon for helping us to think.
Safe Flying
Bill K.

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