Off topic -- private pilot stuff
Today's paper ran a couple of articles: one about private pilots and another about aeroplanes.
The aeroplane article was about a Piper, the manufacturer of JFKJ's plane. When someone purchases one of these, the company brings them to the factory for fifty hours of instruction: twenty-five on the ground, and twenty-five in the air. The company wants the purchasers to be familliar with the limits and capabilities of this aircraft.
I'm only speculating here, but this training seems quite long. This sounds like a week taken out of the busy life of the purchaser, and I'm sure a few of them decline. (Foolishly!) My understanding is that this training is in addition to the mandatory requirement of a private pilot being certified for each aircraft they wish to fly.
I've not heard if JFKJ had completed this training, or not.
Second point: I wondered why the pilot didn't use instruments. One would think that when you're flying along and find yourself in a fog and cannot see, the first thing you'd do is look at the instruments sitting inches in front of your nose. So you aren't instrument rated -- who's going to care about that when their life is at risk? I'm not a pilot, but this 'instrument question' makes me curious.
In Canada, to receive a private pilot license for visual flight, one must have a minimum exposure to instrument flying, unlike U.S., where a pilot needs NO instrument instruction. Canada is one of the world's most difficult places to acquire a private pilot license, and our air safety record reflects this. I'm not saying we don't get our share of 'cornfield airports', but we're asking more from individuals who wish to take lives in their hands as they fly.
I can't help but imagine the tight spot the license examiner found himself in as he faced the decision about JFKJ's ability to fly. I find it hard to imagine this 'icon' failing, no matter how poorly prepared.
Just my thoughts, PW.
P.S. The Piper in the Paper cost $400,000. JFKJ's plane was reported to cost $300,000. Probably a different model. |
