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