If the chances of being involved in a fire was 1 in a million and the
passengers only ever flew one flight then their chance would be one in a
million. If I flew 1 million flights then, statistically speaking, my worst
fears would come true eventually.

At 1 in a million it's a chance they're prepared to take - for me the odds
aren't one in a million - they're a lot higher - which I'm not prepared to
take.

I hear what you're saying - and I agree that when my time comes it's not
good for the unfortunate passengers (if any) who happen to be with me -
that's the chance they took. It's like russian roulette - if I play it long
enough I'm always going to lose - so I do my best to protect myself against
that eventuality.

My point was I see so many pilots taking too many risks - most of them get
away with it most of the time - but flip the coin over and a few are dead
who would be alive today if they'd taken more precautions - and some poor
kids have to grow up without a dad because of it.

A bit like wearing seatbelts - you probably won't ever need them - but if
you do, and you're not wearing it - then it's too late.

Just imagine you're flying over moutainous terrain - in a single - engine
stops. I "Freeze the scene" and sittling along side you for a second offer
you some fire-proof clothing at recommended retail. Any takers? thought so.
How about a flying helmet? Sold! Aviation survival kit? my my this is a good
day for sales.

Sadly I've had friends who have been disfigured from not wearing full
seatbelts - known some who have died flying singles at night - some drowned
through not wearing life jackets. All preventable - and yet still it keeps
happening and happening and happening.

What does it take to change peoples attitudes?

I don't know.