For Shame!
I saw a most disturbing video this week on AVSIG.
The video camera was focused on two girls in the back seat of a four-place general aviation aircraft in flight. One was throwing up into a bag. The other didn’t look much happier.
The pilot was—as we say down south—doing didos as this was going on. He pulled a negative G maneuver that had both girls rising from their seats. The girl with the bag kicked wildly with her feet during this, but, bless her heart, she kept the bag firmly in place. It was sad. I felt sorry for the girl, mad at the pilot.
The video drew many comments making it evident that the pilot has no friends on AVSIG. The nicest description of the pilot (we all assumed the pilot was male) was “Jerk!”
Much of the anger toward the pilot was because this type of thing is awful for the GA reputation. Those two girls will tell dozens of people each, and those dozens will tell more. Besides, we just hated it for the girls.
Later this week, in AOPA ePILOT, I read a plea from Phil Boyer that we all work together to improve the reputation of GA security. Seems there was a video on TV showing a Phoenix reporter opening the doors of not one, not two, but three unlocked GA aircraft on a ramp. With a blue jillion people worried about Cubs knocking down skyscrapers, this can really hurt. As Phil Boyer said, it is hard for AOPA to defend us unless we do our share. I have spoken for the City of Phoenix, Department of Aviation, and know that this must upset those hardworking people.
C’mon folks, let’s help ourselves a bit here. Anytime you see a pilot acting like a jerk, point out to him/her that this hurts us all.
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R. W.
Will wonders never cease?! R.W. and I have been arguing since 1979. It is an honor and a privilege to have him agree with me for once!
Thanks, R.W., and thanks for writing.
Ralph Hood
Ralph, I know this is highly unusual but I agree with you. The point is not that the door locks are “Mickey Mouse” but the perception that GA isn’t interested in safety.If those doors were locked there wouldn’t of been a story. Isn’t the perception of protection what TSA is all about.
Clyde–
Yep, “so far”. However, some of the presidential candidates sound like they’d love to change that.
Thanx for writing,
Ralph Hood
R,That’s the beautiful thing about America,we can disagree and not be arrested (so far).
Clyde
Clyde–
Read the blog again. We are not talking about what you or I think, but about what John Q. and Mary Jo Public think when they see that video on TV. Do you really think that the public studies up on this when they see it on TV? Get a reality check. They just think somebody oughta do something about those rich, drunk, fat cats endangering all of their lives.
Thanks for writing,
Ralph Hood
R, Do you & Phil Boyer really think a Mickey Mouse GA door lock will deter a terrorist? Come on…Get real!!Maybe you have written so much for the media that you are becoming one of them. Y’all might need a reality check.
Clyde
Clyde–
I must say that many agree with you.
Ralph Hood
R,The pilot is a damn FOOL ! Where is the FAA when we need them? His/her ticket should be pulled. Period.
Clyde