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This reminds me of the safety "discussions" that occurred, often in the Big Three, during the first days (well, 20 years) of safety improvements. "I don't need no stinkin padded steering column - I' a good driver." The pre-energy-absorbing steering columns often would get pushed rearward, stabbing the driver even before he had a chance, without a seat belt, to impale himself on the column. "anti-skid brakes will just encourage bad drivers (not me, of course) to drive faster on ice." Actually, that's true, but not enough to counteract the benefits of anti-skid. And something like 50% of the crashes are without skid marks - the driver never even had a chance to apply the brakes. "I wear my shoulder belt, I don't need an air bag." Said by a lot of people that hadn't walked away from a serious crash after being saved by an inflatable restraint. Overall, having most any safety feature is better than not having it. I don't think any of them actually encourage bad behavior, but they certainly reduce the perceived penalty. Reducing the size of the horns on the bull we're fighting may reduce the macho quotient, but overall, it's a good thing. Gary Casey
Brent, That same sort of thing was said about the parachute. In fact - - I said it at one time. I said lots of things - - that I wish I hadn't said. I have had the opportunity during the certification to actually fly behind the "level" button in the G1000+ Garmin SR 22. I didn't think I would like it. For all of the reasons and more that are inherent in your comment. I ended up liking it. I don't think it is going to encourage anybody to do anything they shouldn't be doing. I do think it will be of some use to marginal pilots in bad situations. And, I think a number of pilots pilots will find some occasional uses for it in somewhat routine situations just as a "time" saver when they are busy and want to change up their "game plan" and do something different. Regards, George
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