That OCD saves a lot of people and a lot of equipment. They aren't
always loved, sometimes hated, but usually respected. And sorely missed
when they depart.

The person I'm talking about would have resented that monicker. He had
no respect for rules - in fact, he put me in the seat when I didn't
even meet the insurance minimums for the planes, and would have gladly
put me in the seat of the high performance plane without the FAA
endorsement had I not balked. He also was the kindest, gentlest, most
beloved person on the field. Even the people he ever-so-gently kept
out of the seat did not hate or disrespect him.

Almost every safe operation has its elder statesman, but so does almost
every unsafe operation. If he's hated, or worse yet not respected,
he's not the guardian of wisdom that enhances safety - just an asshole
who likes to tell people what to do. I've seen plenty of those.

Michael



Michael