Letter to CJC President...
 

Letter to the President of Colgan...

BOCCIERI DEMANDS ANSWERS ON FEBRUARY PLANE CRASH NEAR BUFFALO | Congressman John A. Boccieri, Representing the 16th District of Ohio

Oh brother. Another 172 pilot who thinks they know how the airlines work. These people ie gov have no idea how the airlines work. It's very obvious that they are asking the wrong questions and are focusing on things that are not important. They're probably gong to make it harder for us pilots. Lack of training is not the issue. We train on stalls. It's flying 101. Also, the fact of the matter is that Colgan knew everything legally possible about both pilot's back ground. Apparently you can fail 141 training and still have the records show that you passed all. That's not Colgan's fault. Raising the mins won't change anything as these pilots were already high timers for regional standards. I hope this doesn't turn into a circus.

I dunno if I like where this is going. The pilot's rest was the pilot's responsibility. "As a pilot with 13years experience" doesn't really do it for me if he only flies 10hrs a year.

At least he is pressuring one of the worst run regional airlines to take some responsibility and make some changes. For those of you that don't like where this is going...where would you like it to go?

Quote: "Even worse was the anemic defense issued by Colgan Air that, "[a] stick pusher demonstration in an aircraft simulator is not required by the FAA and was not part of the training syllabus." Even the most basic pilot training – from Cessnas to bombers – includes basic training to correct a stall."

Really? So a B2 pilots demonstrate a full stall recovery during training? Remember Capt. Glen Edwards and the YB-49? How about you 747 pilots.............do you demonstrate "pusher" or "full stall" recoveries? 71, 73, 75, 76, 77 pilots? Airbus A300, A310, A318, A319, A320, A321, A330, A340 pilots? How about you Mad Doggers? Anyone?

I have no problems with changes that better our industry but somebody needs to educate this Congressmen on the "basic" differences between Cessna’s and transport category aircraft or any other aircraft for that matter with higher performance than a basic GA plane.

I did not know the Cessna had a stick pusher. I guess thinks have changed since the last time I've been in one:)

Actually, you are dead wrong my friend. You should check your facts ahead of time before ranting that a congressman doesnt know what he is talking about just because it is an aviation matter and you are an expert. Dont make yourself look like just another flamebaiter. Mr. Boccieri is a Major is the U.S. Air Force, and a C-130 Hercules pilot.

This matter does concern him, because he is a politician and a highly decorated and experienced aviator. I would say that he does have the credentials to speak on this matter. What are your credentials? Perhaps he is trying to hold Colgan accountable for their lack of oversight. What his letter states is negilible to the fact that you decided he is a C-172 weekend warrior whom knows nothing about aviation. Great post, flame on buddy.

Civ flying doesn't come close to Military flying. I'm basing my "flame" on the questions that he was asking about all of which have nothing to do with why the crash happened.

I'm going to stay optimistic about this sudden interest in pilot pay and rest. At least if congress investigates you can bet there will be plenty of talk directly with pilots (ALPA, at least) for our side of the story.

I think we as pilots need to do every thing we can to keep the movement going by writing congress, talk to our union reps, and generally keep the energy going. Just checking tonight on CNN.com there are several pieces revolving around the NTSB hearings. We'll see where this will go but even if it stays in the public eye for a week it will be a big win for us.

Stay positive folks!

"privates"= powertrip. In every way imaginable.