Scary -with a happy ending.

[Ethel]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-108386 9/Pilot-went-blind-mid-air-talked-safe-landing -crew-scrambled-RAF-jet.html

I do like a good news story on a Friday, but there has been a lot of fatal and serious injury accidents involving private planes and helicopters lately, or so it seems.

Is the law rigorous enough in respect of these pilots?

[jno]

You'd need Charlton Heston next to you ready to take over... with my luck I'd just get Leslie Nielsen.

But I don't know how you'd legislate to stop Cessna pilots having strokes.

[Ethel]

This pilot was incredibly lucky, but I was referring to the legislation in general as there has been such a lot of accidents this year.

Of course the nature of a stroke is it strikes without warning

[Barmaid]

Certainly as far as this chap goes, his training appears to have helped save his life and possibly those on the ground. Seems he remained calm (despite what must have been a terrifying experience), took the right steps and listened to the RAF chaps who talked him down.

I do take your point about there being a lot of light aircraft accidents but from what I recall about the few flying lessons I had, it is significantly more rigorous than other dangerous hobbies or methods of transport. Plus regular medicals are required.

[Octavius]

Around 25% of all car accidents are caused by sudden illness.

What would you propose?

[Ethel]

I am not suggesting legislation for sudden illness - the majority of these accidents were not caused by sudden illness.

[Octavius]

The remainder of accidents were caused predominantly by driver error or poor conditions.

Same difference land or sky innit?