Thursday, July 17, 2014

DON'T BE A DICK

Well, here we are again.  Another aviation disaster involving Malaysia Airlines.  Flight 17 was shot down by a missile over Ukraine.  Before we go any further, let me say that my prayers are with the families of the passengers and crew.  This is a tragedy.

Now then.... as with every other aviation disaster, within hours of the event, "aviation experts" started to appear on local and cable news outlets, sharing their dubious analysis of the event.  I FUCKING HATE THAT!  Unless you are an NTSB investigator or you have super secret clearance with the CIA, KEEP YOUR BULLSHIT OPINIONS TO YOURSELF!!!!

Shortly after the previous Malaysia Air disaster, one particular asshole started showing up on cable news. After a Google search, I discovered this "aviation expert" taught Aviation Marketing and had 7000 in a King Air.  I mean no disrespect to King Air pilots, but I think we can all agree that this doesn't qualify you to analyze Boeing 777 international operations.

And now we have a new disaster... and a new dick.  For those of you who watch Fox News, you may have seen "DJ" volunteer his expert commentary.  Under his name, the banner read "International Commercial Airline Pilot".  After a quick Face Book search, I discovered DJ is a Spirit Airlines pilot.  In no way am I disparaging Spirit Airlines.  I have several friends who fly for that company.  However... FLYING FROM DETROIT TO TORONTO DOESN'T REALLY COUNT AS INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT!  In fact, flying from Miami to Nassau doesn't really make the grade either... so don't even go there, American Eagle pilots.

Interestingly, he's got some sort of internet business selling hypnosis sessions for those who have a fear of flying.  Do you know what makes me fearful of flying?  DICKS WHO PRESENT THEMSELVES AS EXPERTS, COMMENTING ABOUT AIRCRAFT THEY ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO OPERATE,  AND ANALYZING ROUTES THEY HAVE NEVER FLOWN!!!!!!!

15 crew members lost their lives as well as 280 passengers.  295 husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, lovers and friends are gone.  This is a tragedy.  This is NOT your chance to get your 15 minutes of fame, or promote your website or side business.  Unless you are an NTSB investigator or a 777 pilot who has flown over Kiev recently.... SHUT THE FUCK UP,  YOU VULTURE!*

* NTSB agents are limited in their authorization to comment on ongoing investigations and 777 pilots... well they just know better.