I didn't mean to start all of this hubbub but I guess I did. Now, I'm sorry to say that my point has been made. Believe me when I say that I would rather have been absolutely wrong and considered a fool than to have four dead in a tragic ACCIDENT over the skies of Phoenix.
I never questioned Capt. Matt's abilities. I merely pointed out that the risks that were necessary for him to take in a combat zone were completely UNNECESSARY in performing his duties as a traffic/news chopper pilot. Two highly trained pilots and two photo-journalists who didn't have a hand on the stick have paid the price.
All of the protestations by Capt. Matt and his pilot buddies ring very hollow today.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not asking for legislation or even more regulation. I am a "personal responsiblity" kind of guy. I just hope the the news stations will see for themselves that an on-board reporter, regardless of the extra weight, is vital to the safety of those the in the air and on the ground.
This morning while in town on business I caught your SkyFox traffic report and could not believe what I saw. The chopper pilot was pulling "double duty" ... flying the aircraft and doing an on camera report. I hope that this was a one-time situation and that this will not become the norm. While I am sure that pilot Daniel is a fine aviator, the skies above Houston is not the place to be tooling around and chatting. Then the news anchor asked for more "eye contact" with the pilot. Please! I would rather all his attention be on his first duty...flying.
