RA1

Thanks for retiring me. Shall I look to you for a pension? Ditching into the Hudson would be simple compared to explaining things to you. Best regards, RA1

His "insults" seem pretty tame compared to the harm he has done. I put him and John McCain as two peas in the same pod. Best regards, RA1

Yes, the human species is certainly strange. Best regards, RA1

Almost nothing is irreversible but I take your point. Best regards, RA1

I was astonished when she was convicted, that was over turned, she was convicted again and, finally I hope, that was overturned. Oh, well, I don't understand the US system of justice, why should the Italian one not totally baffle me? Best regards, RA1

I am pretty conservative but I try to not proselytize. If you don't start a jihad against me, I will definitely reciprocate. Best regards, RA1

There is no free lunch. Best regards, RA1

Ditto. Best regards, RA1

What did I miss? What brought on all the Nazi references? Just curious. Just because Lufthansa can't serve meals on Atlantic crossings because they need to clean out their ovens is no reason to go bonkers. Best regards, RA1

OK, I give up. Why? Electric cars are using second or third hand "power" + if lead based paint is so bad, how good are lead batteries? Etc. My point is that nuclear power plants seem like a really good idea until one has to dispose of the spent uranium rods. Is there some chance electric cars might have a similar Albatross? Best regards, RA1

I wonder the same thing when I see folks in a 100,000+ car. Do they drive it to the super market? Movie theater? At the very least they will get door dings and pretty easily worse. I have seen people park as far away from the store as possible, presumably to avoid being next to another car. But, that seems to be similar to painting a target on the car or a sign that says, "hit me". Best regards, RA1

I agree but do not necessarily wish to go when it is another's time. Best regards, RA1

Commerce at work. Best regards, RA1

I think it impossible to legislate preventing criminal acts. Yes, some who are afraid of various results of breaking the law will comply but those determined to kill others or themselves will likely succeed, sooner or later. Some airlines do have a procedure to have another in the cockpit when one pilot leaves. If for no other reason, it provides for opening the "fortress" door in the case of incapacitation of a remaining pilot. As stated above, nothing is fool proof. I suggest that no one become unduly worried about dying on an airliner. The odds are 11 million to 1. One should avoid tempting a lightening strike during a thunderstorm, which is much more likely to kill one. Certainly, one should never drive or ride in an automobile, if one is wishing to avoid the "odds". Best regards, RA1

US airlines put pilot potential hires through a basic battery of tests. They prefer for them to be well adjusted citizens. Years ago they used the Stanine test. They probably use a variation these days. Of course, the problem is those who are intent on gaming the system. Pilots have to be pretty single minded to achieve very much in their careers. The experience and training necessary is expensive and time consuming. The hours are often "crazy" and go to 7 days a week. This is hard on relationships. Pilots are required to give up a lot but not their sanity or so I hope. Of course, mine left many years ago and I hardly miss it anymore. As you know, a pilot determined to crash can do it. Remember EgyptAir? Fortunately this is not a problem with a large percentage of participants. Best regards, RA1

MsAnn- Enjoying a production of any kind is fine with me. Just be sure and take the entertainment and entertainers as a diversion from "real life" which can be a good thing. Best regards, RA1

So many questions, so little time. Best regards, RA1

This seems to be the consensus at the moment. I heard one news report this morning say, "He was not a known terrorist". What? How many known terrorists are pilot employees of airlines? I don't get suicide/murders. If you are that unhappy, just go somewhere and off yourself. Don't involve innocent people. Another "problem" is touched upon in the above article. The SIC apparently had just over 600 hours flying experience. That is "nothing" by comparison. The US recently mandated at least 1500 hours + the ATP license to be an SIC on Part 121 carriers (the airlines). That is a lot more experience + proven proficiency but still not necessarily the complete answer. Best regards, RA1

Simply men who are quiet, unlike you. Best regards, RA1

Some friends in NZ referred to the actors on Top Gear as "those clowns" but I think they had an even lower regard for the American version of this show. Let's not take entertainment too seriously folks and that includes the actors. Best regards, RA1

Men like that are hard to find, also. Best regards, RA1

Interesting. One might easily assume that Hitch had some mental quirks from is works and so called public personna. This seems to not only confirm that idea but delve somewhat in to the why and where. Best regards, RA1

And, modern technology. Best regards, RA1

I can think of a LOT of folks who might say that but not MR. I am sure he has plenty of faults but I do not think that is one of them. Best regards, RA1

Indeed likely you and I would like to cancel "advanced age". Best regards, RA1