Boy, I'm just glad that when I was young and doing stupid stuff that everyone in the world didn't carry a camera and phone.

I did quit being young but I am still working on the stupid stuff!

SE6601KF wrote:I wonder why someone can drive a car at a high rate of speed within a couple of feet of a pedestrian with a baby stroller and no one thinks anything of it, but if someone flies an airplane within 500 feet of persons or property then it is considered "very dangerous"
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Pilots getting all over the news saying how dangerous and irresponsible it is doesn't help the average GA pilot either.
That just perpetuates the fears of the public that airplanes are dangerous and need more regulation.
?

I agree that the perception of danger in these two situations is a bit skewed. The potential for destruction is high either way, but aviation is generally misunderstood by the layman and makes an impression due to the fact that the public does not normally experience an aircraft buzzing them so closely, whereas a car flying by at +45mph causes no reaction. We all become numb to common occurrences, but it's also difficult to erase a person's anxiety about aircraft with an analogy.

I think the harsh reaction from the pilot community is not so much from the actual perceived danger but rather the abusive liberties that the pilot took with our image as a whole, in a time when GA seems to only be referenced in the news for its related catastrophes.

On the other hand, I can't say that even as a pilot, I enjoy being buzzed right overhead. I've been to ultralight fly-ins where pilots constantly and frivolously fly over the camping area, circling low. It's sort of like waving a gun around, it gives me the same feeling of unease.

It bothers Me when a car passes @a closing speed of 150mph with 2 yellow lines in the middle,
yet it bothers my pasengers when a aircraft passes @1000ft seperation.

I know the training of the pilot,but with the car,who knows.

With the price of realestate,we are allways at risk of losing airports,and dip**its like that dude dont help.


Be safe,Chuck