KM wrote:
snoop wrote:
Point is the author should, in
his research maybe set up a tour of the aircraft model in question, and
get some facts. I've always read and learned from Safety Corner, but
this issue, well...........

Snoop,
Great Post.As a comercial guy myself, I think you offered a good
perspective from both sides of the fence.I have not read the colum for
this month yet, but I have to comment on your remarks about the lack of
facts in the safety column.For some reason Thelen has alot of baseless
assumptions and prejudises that get in the way of facts when he writes
a column.Just like you, I read the stories and try to learn from them,
but I find only about one out of every three or four columns is of any
use.Even Soaring magazine has had to post a disclaimer that his veiws
are not those of the SSA.

I believe this disclaimer would be there regardless of who wrote the
column because it is not an "official" determination of accident which
may entail enforcement action and lawsuits. Until the government issues
a report that people can cite, they and their publisher have to be
careful to avoid potential legal problems.

Its too bad they dont get someone better to
write such an important column.

And if someone better came along, I think George would glad to step
aside. I ocasionally chide him privately (we've known each other for
decades), but more often praise him. When I think there's a problem with
a particular column, I email or call him to discuss my view with him. He
always listens, and I think it results in better columns in the future.

I'm sure he'd like to hear from anyone with comments about particular
columns. Writing a monthly column like his isn't easy, and more facts
and more views would make it an easier task. My preference is to contact
George before RAS, so he has an opportunity to discuss his reasons, and
maybe get my input for follow-up article. I can always come to RAS later.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

"Transponders in Sailplanes" on the Soaring Safety Foundation website
www.soaringsafety.org/prevention/articles.html

"A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org