THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 23, 1994 TAG: 9412230009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
In response to recent aircraft accidents:
I am an instrument-rated, single-engine private pilot. When I encounter bad weather, I become overly cautious and scared, so I avoid these conditions to the best of my ability.
No airline schedules, FAA requirements or passengers require a pilot to fly in extreme weather conditions or to continue flying with the possibility of encountering bad weather. It is the pilot's responsibility to maintain the safety of all people in his plane or on the ground, even if this means being late, embarrassed or fired from his job.
Some accidents occur because of structural or mechanical problems, but this is rare.
Before you fly, ask the pilot in command how he feels flying in the bad weather. If he doesn't say but is sweating bullets, you may consider other plans.
EUGENE S. BACHMAN
Virginia Beach, Dec. 17, 1994 by CNB