Wow yes that is a terrible and potentially damaging op-ed. Prepare for more public disrespect for the glorified bus driver.

Perhaps that is true for the crass author but I can not remotely believe that this is true for any airline pilots that I know personally, or even for me as a GA pilot, when I fly with my young niece and nephew in the back. Similarly as a physician I feel very deeply and have a great burden of responsibility for people that I operate on, it is not just some "technical feat" or something that "demonstrates skill."

Perhaps SOME pilots are not of a "higher moral type than the rest of us," and unfortunately a few posters here prove that out, but the majority take their daily responsibility very seriously. I don't agree with his cynical point of view.