Robert M. Gary wrote:

I've flown with my wife and two kids at night in IMC many,
many times. I certainly don't consider it stupid or dangerous.
I wonder if he had engine problems.

and

...emotional civilians...think SE planes are intrinsicly [sic]
dangerous and can't believe anyone would actually fly one of those
machines at night or in the clouds. Maybe Hilton needs to stick with
riding in the back of 737s.

We "emotional civilians" aren't all civilians, nor are we unaware of the
realities of night and/or IMC conditions, whether S/E or M/E. Maybe
someone who flys his "wife and two kids at night in IMC many, many
times" would do well to "wonder [what] if he had engine problems", and
"stick with riding in the back of 737s," himself.

S/E at night in IMC _is_ dangerous. Whether or not it's also stupid
depends on your reasons for doing so, how well prepared you are, and
your doing all you can to avoid unnecessary risk. Unfortunately, wives
rarely -- and children never -- are able to measure for themselves the
risks they face and the capability of hero-Dad and his airplane, and
then make their own informed decisions. Erring on the safe side rather
than pumping up his own ego is Dad's obligation.


Good luck,

Jack