Guys,

Safety is not one element, its a whole sequence as I said before, its an attitude. I have seen, experienced (and practiced) poor safety, through ignorance, disbelief, disregard and a whole myriad of human traits. But now I focus more, I am far from perfect and am still learning about good and bad, but my mind is open to a comment, advie and guidance.

With safety in mind, comes all sorts. Like the Honda advert on TV, rather than use the phrase "OK" lets get it to "what if?". We can only ever analyse risks and work to reduce them. I am pretty sure that there are very few full size accidents where a deliberate act was in place to destroy something and the same is true for models. People don't set out to destroy maime and kill with these toys. But is there really such thing as an accident?

Yet stray to poorer countries and the standards drop on full size. Why? Because they are not enforced as they are in richer countries. Humans don't like rules most of the time and drop often to the lowest denominator, and it is regrettable but true that legislation forces compliance.

However, education, training and awareness, and the unique human ability to "think" are things that we can encourage, cajole and where necessary legislate for. I've said before some people don't look when they cross the road, and it is those we need to reach.

I don't propose to "what if" this tragic event, but hear Gordon Mc, in his appalling situation and say if we applied what if to that, would there be change and learning.

Ultimately it is up to you the pilot to observe and practice good safety. My mates ask me if you need a licence for one of these after all it is like a guided missile and some are amazed when I say no.

Safety does not mean killjoy, it will improve the reliability of the whole thing whether a public event or sunday flying. And everyone has the right to ask a meaningful question or ask about someones judgement, stupid questions are the ones not asked when it comes to safety.

Lets get an attitude sorted hear, lets let people make the comments and lets make the right priorities, that is life and limb above balsa fibreglass and money......

I am a part time cop, I have done the "long walk" up to a strangers house to tell them their loved one has perished, in a road accident (by the way we call them collisions now, as someone or thing is always to blame). I never do so without thinking "what if", so think of the messenger and how you can avoid forcing them to do the long walk.

IT IS ONLY A HOBBY

Gazzer