Teacherjh wrote:
I think his point was that if having the chute causes a pilot to have a
more cavalier attitude "in general" then this will increase the
likelihood of accidents of ALL forms, not just those where the chute
might help. I tend to think this IS a sound argument, albeit probably
not yet supported by enough data. Attitude and judgment are key to safe
piloting. If either is deficient, bad things will tend to result.


For data of a related sort, look at how many pilots rely on GPS, and take
flights they wouldn't otherwise (because of lack of preparation). (put another
way, with GPS some people are more inclined to just get up and go, but without
they will do more planning)

GPS has given pilots a more cavalier attitude towards flight planning and
pilotage (see the planning thread), I would be VERY surprised if it did not
turn out that the chute gave pilots a more cavalier attitude towards weather
and other conditions, while at the same time admitting to the ranks people who
shouldn't even =be= pilots.

One thing to remember, coming down on a TKS chute is a VERY UNDESIRABLE
OUTCOME. I don't think people fully comprehend this.

Yes, with my back condition it could be fatal. However, it is still
probably more desirable than coming down without it!

I'm not against the chutes at all, but I am against letting their
presence change the behavior of the pilot.


Matt