flycrj200

This thread it to honor and remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Please have some respect.

Centerline34

As a Q400 FO in Europe and a fellow citizen I am shocked by what happened. I just want to express my sympathy and condolences to the families of the crew and passengers.
I love this airplane and it is the first Q400 to come down with a terrible loss of life. From the posts I read, very nice people were part of the crew. Godspeed to them all.

eaglefly

You've missed my point ENTIRELY. Emotion can do that, so I understand your misguided comments. As one who has been down this road before (experienced it DIRECTLY), I know more then most about the pain, loss and rememberance that situations like this produce. and all phases of the grief process.

The loss of my beloved freinds and collegues on American Eagle 4184 sadly produced one gift they could give me as a professional pilot who had to carry on...........the ability (and willingness) to accept and learn. Accept what occured and learn from it. There but for the grace of god, go I. It wasn't their idea and one they would willingly choose. They did nothing wrong and knowing them, I'm sure would have wanted their ultimate sacrifice to mean something to the rest of us who continue to fly..............to learn something and understand.

"Thoughts and prayers" for Marvin and Rebecca aren't enough. WE owe THEM more.

IF history has repeated itself (and I believe it has) and 2 more of our fellow aviators have become unwilling teachers, I think they would want the same for us as well..........to accept and learn. They sounded like those very type of people, who when forced to give themselves up for something, that at least there was meaning and benefit to those who can use that for the benefit of others.........but most importantly to not forget.

Again, this is NOT a judgement call, but recognition of another painful wake-up just how careful we have to be and how fast life can change.

JoeyMeatballs

I for one appreciated eagle's post

SnowMan

I think the point he's trying to make, is that the best way to honor their memories is to learn from this. We should all become better pilots and learn from this tragedy, so it doesn't happen again. edit: But I'm sure we all knew that.

Rockitsynz

DublinFlyer

Eagle I do understand where you are coming from, and I appreciate your post. We all feel and think differently about things like this - and I respect and understand that, and I'm open to everyone's feelings.

For me personally - it has caused me to go back and really think about things. I'm a good competent pilot, and I'm very open minded and willing to learn - but there is SO MUCH to learn it scares me. I can fly the plane well, and land and take off in crosswinds, and fly around bad weather, and blah blah blah - but in a situation like this, one second your fine and the other you're tumbling towards the ground with the task of making a split second life or death decision. If anything, it has caused me to go back and learn as much as I possibly can about icing, and deep stalls. It has opened my mind a bit more than it already is. I think actually, it has scared me into being a better pilot. I just hate that good people had to die in order for that to happen.

I do owe it to Marvin and Beki to make sure I take as much as I can away from this unfortunate mess, and to take this opportunity to develop into a much safer and knowledgable pilot. I made a promise to them that I would.

meeko031

I totally agree, that's why I emailed cnn. I included in my email that they do a little bit of research before making their facts public for the respect of all lives lost.(ie: carb icing). It's irresponsible journalism

A moment of silence for all.......

eaglefly

That was EXACTLY my point.

It would be stupid and callous of me to lay blame on these two pilots, especially when all the facts are unknown and ESPECIALLY at this stage when many who knew them and all those at Colgan are still in the early stages of shock and disbelief.

The two pilots of 4184 were VERY experienced and knowledgeable about both the ATR and icing and still it didn't matter. To those commercial aviators not yet spoiled by hot wings, excess performance and turbofans and look at those boot covered wings this "demon" is out there.......and the autopilot may be your worst enemy. To those that bypassed this experience, a little more respect is due for the (usually newer) pilots who must face this additional demon that lies over their shoulder and must be dealt with.

Out of addional respect for those who have and will suffer, I will leave my comments at that and learn from any more info that the investigation produces.

usmc-sgt

Good post however I just have to comment on the quote above. The Q400s flight controls are all powered with the exception of the ailerons and those are assisted with powered roll spoilers. As for power this airplane for those who have flown it is very much overpowered especially if put in uptrim. A lack of power in any situation is an issue that this airplane does not have.