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From: ron@r2d2.UUCP (Ron Schweikert)
Newsgroups: net.aviation,net.politics
Subject: Re: "A Design Proposal That Would Make Passenger Planes Safe"
Message-ID: <118@r2d2.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 6-Jan-86 13:55:29 EST
Article-I.D.: r2d2.118
Posted: Mon Jan  6 13:55:29 1986
Date-Received: Tue, 7-Jan-86 07:10:46 EST
References: <196@hropus.UUCP>
Organization: NBI Inc., SOSC Boulder Co
Lines: 38
Xref: linus net.aviation:2211 net.politics:12165

> From Letters to the Editor, NY Times (1/3/86).
> 
> 	"As what is being called the worst year in commercial aviation 
> history comes to a horrendous close, I have yet to hear a single voice
> raised, in any journalistic medium, asking, 'Must they die?'  Instead,
> Government investigators and news media ask, 'Why did it crash?'  Have
> we been brainwashed into believing that aircraft deaths are inevitable
> in a crash?
> 
> Well, net readers, any comments on these proposals?  Prof Cantilly's
> credential seem good, and I see no flaws in his presentation.

(Rest of article deleted)

Many, many new designs have been made for aircraft that would make them
more efficient and safe.  We've all seen them (canards, rear-facing seats
to name only two of many).  From articles I've read, it seems that the 
major reason they aren't being used is the perceived (?) response from the
public.  I have sat in rear-facing seats on military aircraft.  It's easy
to get used to, and obviously (excuse me, apparently since I've not actually
seen results in tests) much more safe.  It must be tremendously expensive
to completely re-tool for changes in commercial aircraft design.  Would
be interested in hearing from others how someone could effect these 
changes.  Would it require a private firm to enter the arena?  Public 
awareness/grass-roots involvement?  I suspect the all-mighty dollar is
unfortunately the greatest determinator of safety currently.  Hate to say
that.  I love aviation.  
By the way, I don't feel severely curtailing general aviation operations is
the answer to the "crowded" or unsafe skies.  Yes, we do have to take a hard
look at our training and usage of the skies though.  We better start lobbying
for ourselves, or others who don't know the utility and benefits of general
aviation will do it for us.  Happy flying.

Ron Schweikert
CFII, ASMEL, glider
Boulder, Colorado
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