X-Virus-Scanned: clean according to Sophos on Logan.com Return-Path: Sender: To: lml@lancaironline.net Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:08:23 -0400 Message-ID: X-Original-Return-Path: Received: from imo-m19.mx.aol.com ([64.12.137.11] verified) by logan.com (CommuniGate Pro SMTP 5.2.6) with ESMTP id 3092058 for lml@lancaironline.net; Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:24:59 -0400 Received: from MikeEasley@aol.com by imo-m19.mx.aol.com (mail_out_v38_r10.8.) id q.bf5.3ed09cf2 (30738) for ; Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:24:50 -0400 (EDT) From: MikeEasley@aol.com X-Original-Message-ID: X-Original-Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:24:50 EDT Subject: Re: [LML] Re: some thoughts on accidents X-Original-To: lml@lancaironline.net MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="-----------------------------1219667090" X-Mailer: Unknown sub 34 X-Spam-Flag:NO -------------------------------1219667090 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Steve, I think you've hit the nail on the head. Words like "denial" and "overconfidence" are at the core of why smart pilots die in aircraft accidents. I'm a typical Lancair pilot, confident, big-headed, and the list goes on. When I first read accident reports it seemed like only the stupid pilots were crashing. But after a few accidents involving people I new, I realized that really smart people were crashing too. I think the key for all of us is to admit that we are capable of doing something stupid (or making a series of stupid decisions). I think it's fair to say the vast majority of us have had enough training to know what is safe and what isn't. It's the difference between "knowing" how to be safe and "doing" it. We need to question our own decisions and recognize when we are crossing the line between safe and dangerous. The minute a pilot thinks he's incapable of doing something stupid is the point where he becomes dangerous. I'm working on keeping my stupid percentage as low as possible and hoping I recognize my own stupidity before it kills me. Mike Easley Colorado Springs **************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047) -------------------------------1219667090 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Steve,
 
I think you've hit the nail on the head.  Words like "denial" and=20 "overconfidence" are at the core of why smart pilots die in aircraft=20 accidents.  I'm a typical Lancair pilot, confident, big-headed, and the= =20 list goes on.
 
When I first read accident reports it seemed like only the stupid pilot= s=20 were crashing.  But after a few accidents involving people I new, I=20 realized that really smart people were crashing too.  I think the key f= or=20 all of us is to admit that we are capable of doing something stupid (or maki= ng a=20 series of stupid decisions).
 
I think it's fair to say the vast majority of us have had enough traini= ng=20 to know what is safe and what isn't.  It's the difference between "know= ing"=20 how to be safe and "doing" it.  We need to question our own decisions a= nd=20 recognize when we are crossing the line between safe and dangerous.
 
The minute a pilot thinks he's incapable of doing something=20 stupid is the point where he becomes dangerous.
 
I'm working on keeping my stupid percentage as low as possible and hopi= ng I=20 recognize my own stupidity before it kills me.
 
Mike Easley
Colorado Springs



It's= only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
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