Dr. Scott R. Winter at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is looking for pilots to complete a quick, anonymous survey on their opinions of criminalization in aviation accidents.
The survey, which takes just minutes to complete, asks several questions to determine individual opinions on when a pilot should face criminal charges after an accident and what the effect of those charges would have on the industry.
Those who take the survey must be at least 18 years old and a certified pilot.
Take the survey here.
I think everyone else does too except for you, so why don’t you find a different sight to go to.
The very notion of criminalizing simple mistakes is absurd. Intent matters! Criminal law already covers pilots who commit intentional acts that harm property or individuals.
I’m really trying to conceive of a reason for why this person wants to criminalize pilot error and I’m failing. What problem is this intended to solve? We don’t exactly have a glut of pilots and a necessity to thin the herd.
A challenge!, perfect way to start the day!,,, The problem here lies in this “doctors” image of himself as it relates to the rest of us “mere mortals” in the aviation community. Well, good Doctor Winter, and bypassing all the psycological theories and opinions that i’m positive I can form about you,,, and with a quick scan of your bio,,, The answers are NO, you have not attained a god degree of personal aviation perfection so much so that an accident is so far beneath you that in your shortsighted view should be considered criminal. I could go on and on but it’s time for breakfast and i’m hungry. Bottom line is, you put your pants on one leg at a time just like the rest of us and I can assure you that you are equally as susceptible to an accident. FAIR WARNING Doctor, better humble yourself before bites you in the ass. Have a good day sir. Safe skies!
This is a flawed survey– to simplistic. There is a huge difference between criminalizing simple judgment errors, or even simple negligence vs. gross negligence, accidents in the commission of another felony, and wilful intent to do harm. We have already damaged many industries with our litigious society and the willingness of juries to readily let plaintiffs suck at the teet of perceived deep pockets. It all just comes back around to the public in higher costs, absent products and services, and idiotic warning stickers.
I took the survey and found it to be nothing more than an attempt to create more business for lawyers. Surely there is enough legal clout to serve injured parties when a pilot breaks regulations.
No one wants to crash or have a deadly accident, criminalizing mistakes doesn’t help anyone. Educate people who make bad decisions, don’t throw them in jail or fine them, that doesn’t fix the problem.
I clicked on the link to follow the commen ts and it keeps taking me to a WordPress site where they want money for me to see what I’m following. Is this something new?
I’m still trying to subscribe to these comments and still haven’t received acknowledgement from General Aviation staff that I am subscribed. Anyone have any ideas? Please………
With the FAA/NTSB seemingly loaded with the cause of an accident being PILOT ERROR, I can just imagine the prisons being filled with “criminal pilots” who just lost everything they own to some ambulance chasing lawyer.
Will, Ray … after reading your comments, I’m not even going to bother opening up the survey. I agree !!
Things in GA are bad enough … and this “rocket scientist” PhD wants to throw another “tool” at the overzealous FAA, et al. FUHGETABOUTIT ! Responding gives credence to the premise.
Just yesterday, I came across the (FAA) September 2018 Administrator’s Fact Book. In it was a page with the FAA Mission and Vision:
MISSION: “To provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.”
VISION: “We strive to reach the next level of safety, efficiency, environmental responsibility and global leadership. We are accountable to the American public and our stakeholders.”
If you went back and read the FAA Act of 1958, you’d note that the Mission Statement (then) included “promulgating aviation.” It no longer says that.
THAT is the problem. They think safety is their one and only mission. No one would argue that safety isn’t paramount BUT … without a “customer base,” we don’t need no FAA. THEY need to wake up.
And I’ve seen several baloney “surveys” come out of Embry-Riddle. I’m beginning to wonder if maybe that prestigious school isn’t going over to the dark side … as Ray said.
Take this survey and you will see this person or group is no fried of Aviation at any level. Must be a liberal that just wants to make sure someone goes down for an accident. We already have “gross Negligence” in our laws for really bad situations. It is really hard to defend automatic charges of guilt trying to prove you did not do something if no other cause was found. Hey maybe this is an insurance company that just needs to sell more, like AOPA legal protection.
Ray,
I agree with you totally. If this becomes the law of the land, I will be towing my airplane to the junk yard. And I guess that is what the liberals want anyway.
Will
Cut the political garbage. This is an aviation site. No one cares about your political opinions.
How is towing my plane to the junkyard political?
Claiming liberals want you to tow your plane to the junkyard. Besides being paranoid and ridiculous, how is that not political? The Internet is full of places where people can rant and vent their spleens about politics. You can easily find a non-aviation site for that.
Hear. Hear!
I care about the political opinions and I think most everyone else does too except for you… so why don’t you find a different sight to go to…… I’m sure you will be missed …. but we will get over it
AMEN !!!!!