"Wizard of Draws" wrote in message
news:BF295B7E.29C37%jeffbREMOVE@REMOVEwizardofdraw s.com...
On 8/17/05 7:28 PM, in article 9KPMe.60890$E95.11876@fed1read01, "Jay
Beckman" wrote:

It's quite possible that the reporter simply regurgitated the basics of
flying an ILS exactly as they were explained to her. Garbage In -
Garbage
Out. Or put another way: Dumbed Down In - Dumbed Down Even More Out.

Hell, even Miles O'Brien proved that sometimes the frenzy to get it on
the
air first can lead even the most aviation-savvy network-level reporter to
make the occassional wild-ass guess as he did with the cause of that Air
France wreck in Toronto and the fate of those aboard.

Take it with a grain of salt. And if it really offends your
sensabilities
that much, then craft a letter to the editor and educate them. I bet
they'd
appreciate it. Who knows, you might get a call to go on the air as a
local
aviation expert. Just try not to freeze up when the red light comes
on...!

What's the excuse when a pilot (me) works for a newspaper, the reporter
knows it, and they *still* get a flying-related story wrong? I pointed out
multiple errors in a story before it went to press. Did it make a
difference? Nope.

And to whom did you point out the errors?

If it was to the reporter, then you probably lost out to their ego (Hey, I
checked my facts and my sources tell me it was this way...)
If it was to an editor, I'd guess you lost out to either indifference or a
deadline.

Either way, I'd say that publication was not exactly a paragon of
journalistic integrity. Especially if there was an "excuse" for it and not
a reason.

Maybe you should have sent a memo to the Publisher? Squeeky wheel and all
that...

Jay B