Posted for "Lowell Fitt" <lcfitt@sbcglobal.net>:

 I have been reading the posts regarding the tragedy and keep thinking of the
following.
 
 I had a young woman employee once whos father died as PIC in a light
airplane.  She developed major misgivings about aviation in any form and would
become visibly uncomfortable when the subject came up.  The family won a
lawsuit directed at a repair facility that had, shortly before the accident,
done some work on the airplane's fuel system.  Out of curiosity, I found the
accident report in the NTSB  data base and discovered the following - as I
recall.
 
 Nearly 100 hours of duel before approved for a check ride.  Three check rides
later he was awarded his SEL ticket.  Total hours? I don't remember, but after
about 5 hours in a 172, with 3 passengers, he died - they all died.  The thing
that haunts me here is the suggestion in the report that this man was likely
incapable of ever becoming a competent pilot - regardless of training,
experience or discipline.  Unless, of course discipine meaning that he was
able to recognize his limitations and make decisions accordingly.
 
From some of the posts it appears to me there is a suggestion that anyone can
fly a Lancair with proper training, experience and discipline.   With that in
mind, how many golf lessions do I need to consistently shoot par at Augusta
National, or Pebbel Beach or maybe just my home course.
 
 I have no problem with the airplane.  What I do wonder about, however,  Does
anyone ever wash out in the training phase.   Or possibly more important, does
anyone ever just admit that it is just too much airplane for his native
abilities?  Sort of like my abilities at golf , or art, or math or walking on
walls.
 
 Lowell