It's easy to armchair quarterback when it's not your butt in the drivers seat with a dead fan up front. He got it on the ground without killing himself or anyone else. I was taught "to Hell with the plane, do what you have to do to survive". Lives are always more important than the machine. I give kudos to the guy for walking away. The GoPro in the cockpit and posting on social media is another story.

(Written on 02/05/2016)(Permalink)

John, I am going to play Devil's Advocate here. There are different types of depression. The depression one gets from a traumatic event such as a death or loss are rarely long term and are easily treatable. True Clinical depression is chronic, recurring and can last a lifetime and there can be a genetic component to it. The drugs used to treat this type of depression have numerous side effects that can interfere with ones judgement and skill set. I don't know about you, but I don't want to fly with someone who has a long term mental issue like this. I won't even get into untreated bi-polar disorder. Perhaps someone with true and chronic psychiatric issues should not pursue a flying career where the trust of the general public is put into their hands. It seems very selfish to me that someone would be willing to risk the lives of others for their own interests. I do understand where you are coming from. Chronic depression runs in my family and can be very difficult to treat.

(Written on 03/27/2015)(Permalink)

A tragic situation of misplaced trust. We all depend on the integrity of our A and P's to do the right thing. I would suspect this is not the only instance where Khalaf has cut corners or didn't perform proper maintenance and repair. I hope his past customers have their aircraft re-inspected and then run this guy out of town on rail (preferably tarred and feathered). It would be interesting to know the reason he was fired from United. The saddest part is that he will probably file for bankruptcy to avoid the judgement against him. Until then, I hope the family liens everything this jackass owns.

(Written on 03/06/2015)(Permalink)

The family now has a judgement against this a-hole and can now lien just about everything he earns and owns. The sad part is they will probably have to chase him to get anything out of him. This judgement pretty much ruins his credit for purchasing anything other buying with cash. He will probably now file for bankruptcy to avoid the judgement. I hope this case receives the notoriety that it should amongst aircraft owners everywhere and runs him out of business.

(Written on 03/06/2015)(Permalink)

It's why I avoid commercial airlines. Hubby and I use them for coast to coast or international. The flying greyhound bus concept has become unbearable. In the past, people had more respect and exhibited common courtesy towards one another.

(Written on 01/17/2015)(Permalink)

That's a big ass heli! Would still bet it was a pretty wild ride. I prefer my E ticket rides anchored to the ground.

(Written on 12/26/2014)(Permalink)

The FAA needs to go ahead and write the regs for commercial drones. I spoke with a local FSDO person (who wishes to remain nameless). He said the regs most likely will require drone pilots to have a Commercial pilots license for either fixed wing or rotor and be under the same requirements as all other fixed wing and rotor pilots. Then there is the issue of ADS-B In and Out. With that being said, by the time the bureaucrats and the lawyers finish with the rules and insurance regs, dronecraft equipment requirements, the costs will far exceed FedEx, UPS, or even a courier service. Just write the regs for commercial use, tighten up the rules if needed for hobbyists so all the Yahoos who think because they have a computer they can get into commercial drone service will SHUT UP. I fly in VERY congested airspace. The thoughts of having to deal with drones as well is a frightening prospect.

(Written on 12/12/2014)(Permalink)

It was The Sonesta Maho Beach. Go and enjoy. You can rent a car and travel all over the island. It is fairly safe as the Carribean goes, but use some common sense. The French side has incredible restaurants and beaches. St Bart's is a short plane or ferry ride and it is SPECTACULAR!

(Written on 01/18/2014)(Permalink)

This just makes me more the merrier that I can fly my ass and my family about anywhere we want to go in our Saratoga and I don't have to depend on someone else's judgement or skill to get me there. As a single pilot PIC I check twice on ALL navigation inputs. Amazing that 2 in the cockpit couldn't see trouble coming. Absolutely unbelievable and totally unacceptable. Not exactly a confidence builder for the general public.

(Written on 01/17/2014)(Permalink)

They typically fly about anything into this airport. I have stayed at the resort adjacent to the airport It is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME to sit by the pool overlooking the arrival/departure end of the runway and watch planes land and take off! Also fun to watch the brainless hang onto the fence as planes depart. Have seen quite a few blasted onto the beach. You can gauge arrivals by watching the pelicans, when a plane is on arrival, the pelicans hit the water FAST. Much better than humans!

(Written on 01/17/2014)(Permalink)