Sir - I observe with rising incredulity that section of the commercial-pilot fraternity, which believes that the world owes them a living.
Flying a transport aircraft is not a difficult task. It is one, which with suitable training could be competently accomplished by the vast majority of the population. It rarely requires an advanced level of decision-making, merely an ability to think rationally during occasional moments of stress. It is certainly arguable that a public service or heavy-goods-vehicle driver is routinely subject to higher levels of continuous concentration with correspondingly greater chances of tragedy as a result of a moment's inattention.
There is little doubt that, in today's cushioned environment, many pilots are significantly overpaid and under-motivated. The very mention of "safety" in the context of working conditions illustrates that the intellectual argument has already been lost and emotive responses brought to the fore.
W J FODEN
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, UK
Source: Flight International