Lawsuit filed over AFA towpilot fatality

"Le Mec" wrote in message
om...
"F.L. Whiteley" wrote in message
...
So I guess the old fart forgot to signup for SBP. Since this reversal
must
be a matter of public record, where is it filed? From science to
politcial
science. Let's see, coroner appointed or elected there

Frank

Frank, you are an inconsiderate a--hole. I too strongly object to you
calling the tow pilot an "old fart." Show some respect. Tow pilots
are there to help everyone have fun, not to go down in flames and be
shown disrespect.

Someone please find out who Frank is and ban him from whatever
gliderport the scum bag frequents. Better yet, someone please kick
his ignorant ass and any one else's who shows disrespect and an unsafe
attitude towards the tow.

Kindly read the rest of the thread for comprehension. Sometimes soaring has
a really black day. This accident had an interesting reversal of the
findings and the resulting lawsuit, if successful and significant, along
with the other struggles the AFA gliding program has suffered in recent
years, could concievably put the program under additional review and threat.
If that happens, would the USAF continue to fund the CAP soaring program?
Someone is going after the deep pockets. The ultimate fallout could be
onerous.

My comments had nothing to do with the tow pilots ability. I was talking
about the retired USAF aspect, being one myself. I'm a bona fide soaring
'nut case' and ex-USAF 'old fart'. We take good care of our tow pilots and
had to remove one from operations last year due to demonstrated
deterioration of skills and poor attitude. Personally, he never met my
standards nine years ago when I got to my present club, but he had to ground
loop the tow plane twice in one day to finally get the attention of the rest
of the club. To my surprise, recently a couple of club tow pilots have
complemented me on my towing habits on the glider end of the rope. I asked
'Don't all members tow well' to which they've responded that several have a
real struggle staying in position. Perhaps they should be more candide with
the chief instructor about those who've developed poor habits or
deteriorating skills.

My club screens potential tow pilots very carefully, perhaps too
conservatively. They are a valuable resource to us, sometimes in short
supply because we are careful. However, we've had a good run with safety
and serviceability as the tow plane engine is now 400 hours over TBO with no
yellow tags, breathing well, and nothing unexpected in the oil.
Realistically, most are over 50 and some are over 60. We owe them our
attention and concern as they are less resilient to heat and cold extremes
than when they were younger. Bowing out gracefully is hard for some, they
may have to be told. Sometimes it's hard to take a reality check when
things appear to be going smoothly. But it's better than after the fact.

If you think I'm cavalier with regard to towing and tow pilot safety, you're
dead wrong.

Now, about your attitude....I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, since I
think you failed to read the complete thread before responding.

Regards,

Frank Whiteley
Colorado Soaring Association