Attitude When........

[Byron]

I started flying, when I stopped racing super bikes (informally). Racing is about pushing the limits, your own and those of your equipment. The problem is, where is the limit? In the beginning, your own naivety keeps you safe from believing that you can get hurt. Disillusioned? As your confidence increases, you push harder, getting the lap times down. The rear wheel slides on the apex become commonplace, routine. You think you are Invincible! Sure, every time you put the gloves on, your hands are shaking, and at the start of each heat your stomach is in a knot and you feel nauseous. People get hurt, not always seriously, so what, you take a beating now and then. That’s just the way it is. You love the sport. It's addictive. BUT ...... the risk had become greater than the reward.

I think the demise began when when my son Troye was born. The reality hit home that there were now responsibilities. You start to notice things that you have never seen before.…. the sand trap at turn three looks a bit small. Has that guard rail always been there? What if I hit it? What if I crash hard? What if I die? The lap times deteriorated. You try to justify the poor performance to your mates by blaming your equipment, but you know the truth. You are scared (and embarresed about it!). The self confidence was at an all time low. Peer pressure kept me in it for a while. Then the excuses came. I found myself finding fault and reason not to even go to the track. The time came when I knew the time was right to take up a different sport. Microlights.

You will know when you have had enough.

[John Boucher]

I made a comment to my instructor when I started learning to fly....

My ambition was to be a "GOOD" pilot - he frowned at me and said you know, there isn't a thing like a GOOD or BAD pilot, however there is a thing such as a SAFE and UNSAFE pilot!!!!

BE SAFE & ENJOY YOUR FLYING!

[andreb]

Guys, thanks for all the comments. I am extremely apprehensive about getting in the air again soon. I knew Kevin pretty well and we flew together often, so this is really close to home. We all train for engine failure, but what training is there for structural failure? I have a GRS, but...

My plane is on the market at the moment, but not because of Kevin's death. Just coincidence as I was always aiming to get it advertised end Feb due to our impending move to Oz.

I suppose I will take a break for a few weeks and if my plane sells quick I will hire and fly or maybe even convert to 3 axis, which I have been toyign with for some time. I doubt I will ever stop flying, but I must admit that I am nervous at the moment!!

[Thunderboy]

As I said on another post.
While you fly as safely as possible without taking chances etc I believe my time has already been set. Whether that time is set to take me during a flying accident (which I hope not) a car accident or just old age it will come on the day that is already set out for me.

But I do agree especially after this weekend with 2 fatal crashes and Aerosan and Ducks the weekend before it still gives me a scare. I am sure the next time we fly we will all be a bit more aware of the dangers once again.

[Tumbleweed]

I think one can play a small role in your own destiny, like wearing a safety belt during a crash, activating the house alarm, shooting first,don't drive pissed, doing a proper pre-flight and activating a ballistic during structural failure.

But I would be seriously pissed off and cheated out of life if I were to stop flying, only have have some bastard blow me away or vrek from an illness.

[3wheels]

Skidmark, I assure you, you are not alone with your feelings.

I am new to this forum and to microlighting in general,
After reading the accident page it sure leaves an empty feeling inside. Although I never met these guys, there is a feeling of loss and I am sure that everyone who reads them feels the same. A lot of the guys believe that the reward is greater than the risk and in everything we do nowdays there is a risk, they are right. Its just sh** when fellow pilots go down doing what they love. It should be our safe haven from the crap we deal with on the ground.

Chin up mate, hope you will keep flying.

[Byron]

Does anyone have the local safety statistics on microlighting? Leprechaun maybe? Would be nice to be able to compare avaition, or more specifically, microlighting to road accidents. Also, what percentage were pilot error versus mechanical failure.