Originally Posted by
FORTL
We are safer in our cockpits than at most any other time or place, in any other activity. I don't feel like I'm hanging my butt out anywhere when I'm in the air. Mountainous at night causes me extra thought at times.
Moderate to busy ATCs bodies stay in Fight or Flight mode for hours a day. CAMI studied them. (Us)
Combat and test flying come close, but do not match the duration of exposure to the perceived threat. Their findings, not mine.
The Post Office parking lot, THAT scares the $hit out of me.
I hang my butt out everyday that I go in the air. If we're talking about how many people you might have an effect on then I give you that. If I run into a mountain - I only kill myself (or two at the most if I have a backseat rider). If you run an airplane into a mountain then who knows.
If you think that your job (ATC side) is more stressful then we'll just have to respectfully disagree.
In the last two weeks my squadron has had three near-midairs (as defined by the Naval Safety Center), a loss of engine oil resulting in a single engine approach, and today I had a wing unlock caution (remember my wings fold). Probably more but those come to mind while I sit here.
I only know one side of the coin and like I said - I couldn't do your job so I won't be learning that side of the game.
USMCFLYR