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Old May 5th 18, 03:27 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Matt Herron Jr.
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Default Soaring not compatible with modern society?

On Friday, May 4, 2018 at 8:16:37 PM UTC-6, wrote:
I'm wondering how much the modern reluctance to land out and desire for collision avoidance technology is driven by an underlying fear that if society knew about soaring, society would ban it. Granted no one wants to die or have anyone else die but we've been recreational flying for 100 years and accepting the same or worse odds the whole time. Taking risks that were normal not that long ago is frowned upon by society. More than frowned upon, prosecuted. Is soaring culturally illegal just not yet legislatively? Do we try to keep it hidden, play the 'preserve' freedom by not exercising it game? Spewing safety blather won't stop them from stopping us. Nor will better safety gear, the people driving modern society don't care about safety. Safety is just a cover for control and ruining other people's fun. Should we just run the game out then go sailing(if we are still allowed) or should we start standing up for our flying history and culture?


Improvement is safety is a natural evolution of every dangerous sport, activity or pastime. I don't thing we are hiding the risks of soaring from society. No one is listening to our "safety blather", but the first mid-air between a glider and a commercial jet will definitely curtail our sport. Improving safety is important for the preservation of the sport relative to the outside world view,, and for the seven or so lives lost each year within our own ranks.