| Wings 'n' Things/Aviation...column 324...Oct. 18, 2004] SAFETY ISSUE FOR SPORT PILOT RULING Although there is a great deal of enthusiasm for getting more pilots and planes into the air in less time and more affordably, there are definite safety concerns brought out by the new Sport Pilot and Light-Sport Aircraft rule. Al Burel, a local pilot and flight instructor, voiced concerns repeated by many - that the learning time toward flying certification is greatly reduced for this new category of flight, and medical self-certification seems risky depending on personal honesty. The uneasiness surrounding honesty about pilots' determining their ability to fly seems to stem from the general public's seeing the great number of drivers who get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And we all have probably driven a car when we haven't felt at our best, physically. Sometimes it's due to being tired or perhaps it's taking a' medication suggesting fatigue or dizziness as a side effect. But statistics show that pilot incapacitation in the air is a rare occurrence. Pilots seem to do a much better job of grounding themselves than do drivers. One reason is that the legal system is much more lenient with drivers than the FAA is with pilots. When talking to pilots, it seems they are unwilling to take the risk of permanent grounding for one flight under suspect circumstances. We're all responsible for our own safety, whether flying, driving, or walking. The new Sport Pilot rules will be made more safe by instructors making sure students know the rules and are able to make safe aeronautical decisions, and for all those flying to be as accountable as possible. |