Joel, thank you for this considered, and respectful, response. You make very good points. This kind of discourse can only be healthy for aviation.

(Written on 2015/06/17)(Permalink)

Some very quick, and unverified, research indicates that flying in GA aircraft is probably less safe that driving or flying on the airlines. My sources are statistics from the FAA Nall Report, the NTSB, and the NTHSA. •Driving: 1.32 fatal accidents and 1.47 fatalities per 100 million miles •Dirlines: .05 fatal accidents and 1.57 fatalities per 100 million miles •GA: 7.46 fatal accidents and 13.1 fatalities per 100 million miles This, however, is beside my point. All human endeavors, obviously, involve some risk. In aviation we try to mitigate that risk by evaluating risk vs. benefit. In our society, it would be difficult for a four-year-old to not ride in a car, hence the benefit. Conversely, what is the benefit for her doing aerobatics? Reasonable people can obviously disagree (to a degree) on what constitutes "acceptable risk." An adult can make that decision for him or herself; however, when we as pilots make that decision for a child we must adhere to a much higher stand

(Written on 2015/06/17)(Permalink)

Admittedly, this kid seems to be having the time of her life. However, she is clearly not old enough to voluntarily assume the risk associated with aerobatic flight. Is it appropriate for her dad to assume that risk for her? Also, in the U.S. parachutes are required for this type of operation. It there a similar requirement in Canada?

(Written on 2015/06/17)(Permalink)

Jim, There is no call for comments like yours. Your attempt at humor is offensive and, at best, grossly disrespectful. This is a forum about things aeronautical, not an outlet for political opinions. We can do better.

(Written on 2012/03/26)(Permalink)