Why An Ordinary Citizen Shouldn't Be Allowed to Fly....

[Russ Blow]

I have been a paramedic for 25 years. There does not seem to be a week that goes by that I am not surprised by a new way people find to kill themselves or others. Probably the most dangerous thing any of us will do on a daily basis is get in a car and drive to work, to the airport or anywhere really. My chances of dying from a drunk or texting driver is a very real possibility. My chance of being hit by an old guy flying a jet warbird is about as high as earth being hit by an asteroid.

Lets ban asteroids now!

In a free country there will always be risks. I would rather assume the risk than reduce my freedoms.

[JDK]

It's a silly article, as has been said. The lack of recognition or understanding that most advanced transport machinery requires specialist licensing already (as it should) is a pity and poor understanding of the topic. As has been noted that most military aircraft are effectively 'rendered unable to operate their weapons, making them, basically, bling.

Probably the most dangerous thing any of us will do on a daily basis is get in a car and drive to work,

Make that definitely. On average, for all of us here, being on the road is the most dangerous risk in our lives (followed by time in the kitchen).

I often say when people are travelling; "Worried about flying? Drive safely to the airport - that's your high risk period until you leave your destination airport."

Regards,

[Dan Jones]

I'd have to consider this a thread that would be best just deleted.

[Lynn Allen]

People always whine about the fear of flying but think nothing of driving down a country two lane road being pasted by a oncoming car going the other direction doing 80mph while texting or on my two lane, passing blindy coming up a hill in a no passing school zone...

[airnutz]

It's a silly article, as has been said. The lack of recognition or understanding that most advanced transport machinery requires specialist licensing already (as it should) is a pity and poor understanding of the topic. As has been noted that most military aircraft are effectively 'rendered unable to operate their weapons, making them, basically, bling.

For the most part he's guilty of using an ill informed aviation example to segue into the subject of firearms. He's a 113 year old Starfleet Captain who's obviously forgotten his military certifications do not transfer to his restored Huey, Romulan Bird-of-Prey, or the pulse drive estate wagon at his farm of retirement here on Earth. Perhaps Captain Sulu is past his prime...some say all licenses should be revoked at age 90. Discuss!

Seriously, James you're preaching to the choir...mebee you could educate Mr. Takei on 21st century aviation certification requirements. You're a journalist..go journalize him!
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[Stephan Wilkinson]

Let's not forget very high performance 'sport bikes'.

As a former volunteer ambulance driver in an area about 50 miles north of New York City that is hugely popular with motorcyclists, we responded to, typically, a bike fatality once a month from May through October. The standard scenario was a 180-mph crotch rocket driven by a 20-year-old from the Bronx or Queens who didn't have a motorcycle rating on his driver's license and who didn't own the bike--he'd stolen it or, occasionally, a friend had lent it to him.

[Dan Jones]

An article this stupid only got printed based on who wrote it. Too many celebrities think that that their opinion matters when in fact, it doesn't (at least not anymore than yours or mine does). Being the front man for a lousy Irish rock band or having played a character named "Spicolli" or "Sulu" doesn't automatically give whatever rolls out of your mouth substance or credibility - in fact it's often just the opposite.