Kilo Charlie wrote:
Tom Knauff has done a good job of disproving the idea that the most dangerous
part of flying is the drive to the field. I hope that this doesn't insult
you guys trying to argue the what you feel is the safety point. Your hearts
are in the right place.

==
There are relatively few pilots who believe others are impressed by a
low altitude pass. (Sort of like teenage burning rubber, thinking it
impresses others.) In fact, the pilot usually needs to gain extra
altitude in the final thermal in order to have the necessary energy,
wasting precious time. The better pilot only climbs to the altitude
necessary and then flies the correct speed-to-fly all the way home,
perhaps increasing the airspeed slightly to use up the safety margin
altitude, in the final miles.

Really good pilots don't need to show off. They demonstrate their skills
on the score sheet.
==

The above is a quote from Tom Knauff's last email newsletter, hopefully
he won't mind my posting it here. I just like to race and get home in
one piece. I want to minimize the chances of screwing up, or being
subject to someone elses screw up, after I finish. Maybe you'll
understand, someday...

regards,
Marc