lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> Dear CNN: As a private pilot, I think the idea of making the world a safer place by restricting access to general aviation aircraft is a bit simplistic and reactionary. The recent suicide crash in Florida demonstrated how little potential there is for doing any real damage with one of these planes. Yes, you could easily kill several dozen people by flying a small airplane into a crowd, but we really need to consider how likely such an event would be and weigh it against other possible threats. For a comparison we could look to another form of transportation: the automobile. This kid could have much more easily stolen an SUV and driven it through the playground of a local elementary school or down a crowded city sidewalk. The chances of an angry misguided individual gaining access to a car versus an airplane must be better than a million to one. Lets look at this same comparison from another angle. Imagine I am standing out on the front lawn of a typical suburban home for a few hours. How many cars go by and how close do they get to me? How many small airplanes fly overhead and how close do they get? Again the relative risk must be well over a million to one. Should we restrict the use of automobiles? I read an article recently that described how a cell phone was used as a bomb - in this case to kill a known terrorist. Should we restrict the use of cell phones? If you jab a person in just the right spot on the neck with a ball-point pen you can cause them to bleed to death in just a few seconds. Should we restrict the use of ball-point pens? Imagine how many people have access to ball-point pens! I would not be opposed to restricting individuals with a history of violent crimes from getting flight training. But if we are going to be realistic about managing risk we should do the same for automobile licenses. Unfortunately none of this would have stopped this kid in Florida from performing his act of drama and stupidity. ANY technology can be used to do harm by people who have the twisted minds to do so. Once a person decides to kill or die in order to make a statement or gain favor with "God" there is little the rest of us can do. Paul Klusman Wichita, KS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML website: http://members.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please remember that purchases from the Builders' Bookstore assist with the management of the LML. Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>