by "Peter R." Feb 13, 2006 at 09:14 PM

I concluded that pilots, at least those whom I encountered locally, who
were too quick to label an accident pilot were either overcompensating
for
their own aviation insecurities/inabilities or just had an overly large
ego.

I talked to my pilot friend about the rash of crashes the previous weekend
(before the California Rash). He generally believes if the plane is
well-maintained, and if the pilot is diligent and doesn't push minimums,
the risk is minimal.

I asked him about the seemingly obligatory post- crash commentary ("He was
such a good pilot." or "He was a hero for avoiding the
house/school/shopping center"), and asked if he thought the dead pilots
might have the same opinions.

He obviously considered this, but still seemed to think a crash was pretty
much beyond the realm of possibility in his case. I think his attitude
(Denial: Can't happen to me. I'm careful and fly a relatively new, well
maintained plane) is a psychological defense mechanism to disregard the
risk.

It seems to me that the risk IS minimal for the well trained pilot who
doesn't get too comfortable, but risk does exist and even a proficient
pilot who does everything right might crash under a combination of
problems and/or errors.