In article , Tom Seim wrote:

Low pass flyers love the rush. They like a little excitement.
They probably also have a better safety record than the rule
followers who think rules will keep them safe when the
reality is that the only thing that will keep you safe is your
own judgement.


Philip,

You should avoid debating as an occupation. 'Probably' is the choice
of word for those who haven't done their homework. We know that pilots
have died attempting these low passes; are you seriously arguing that
their safety records are better than the norm?

You're right, I probably should.

I wouldn't shy away from the safety record of people who do low passes
though. A well executed low pass is nothing to be worried about.

I certainly know that the pilots I am familiar with who do a low
pass whenever they see the opportunity all have good safety records.
Probably because they (mostly) use good judgement about where and when
to perform the low pass.

I have seen a few badly executed low passes though, and they
are the sort of thing that people should worry about. But the
same can be said of any part of gliding. Do it right, or you're
in trouble. I expect base jumpers also have to do it right.

I agree with you that good judgment enhances your safety. I just don't
think that you (and the low passers) have good judgment. You are free
to partake in your high-risk sport, just don't argue that it is safe.

Newbies do look to veterans when formulating the rules that,
eventually, become what we call *judgment*. Bad judgment, for this
reason, must be clearly labled as such because the newbies are reading
these posts.

Whoops. You just pushed another of my buttons.

Rules aren't judgement. Rules are used to define the normal, expected
way to do things. There are, for instance, rules to be followed
when doing a low pass. Judgement is knowing when to follow the rules.

And 'newbies' can use their own judgement to stay within their own
capabilities. Because an activity is beyond the skill level of some
pilots doesn't mean that those who can do it should not. If the
newbies don't see people doing advanced stuff, how will they know
what more there is on offer?

Aviation is a risky business. We can manage that risk to make it 'safe'.
We manage the risk by building our skills up so we can reduce the
risk. We manage the risk by building our judgement up to recognise
what is within our skill level. And we all have a personal level of
risk we are willing to accept.

--
Philip Plane _____
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Glider pilots have no visible means of support