Robert L. Cohn (1)

My wife and children are probably quite tired of hearing me exclaim, "I would be love to be piloting that aircraft," on the sight of some remarkably aerodynamic, mechanical "bird." As one for whom flight is an erstwhile hobby--although I am not a pilot (an odd reality, given my interest in flight; but then, it's a long story)--I found "They called it pilot error" to be most interesting. In fact, I could have read 100 stories, rather than being limited to the 26 which are included. In particular, I found the Introduction--though too brief for my appetite--to be quite an excellent review of the author's intent, especially given the recounting of the limitations of his own training experience. Reflecting on his own flight training, Cohn wrote, "...a substantial part of my training was meant to prepare me for more training and had nothing at all to do with my real-world use of an airplane." Continuing, he wrote, "In retrospect, I was short-changed. And so is every pilot...I realized that I had never been taught or even made aware of many of the things that are crucial to the safe and proper use of an airplane. I had to learn those the hard way." Since taking up the book, I've spoken with a number of pilots, including accomplished and highly skilled military pilots, and to a person they confirm Cohn's words, to a greater or lesser degree. Frankly, while my interest in the physics of flight goes back to my youth and my envy of those who hold the power of private, commercial, and military aircraft is palpible, this book opened up my insight on the very failings about which the author complained in his introduction. And I might add, it also helped me realize just how important it is that the safe and skilled operation of aircraft, from the simplest glider or single-engine, to the most complex multi-engine or jet aircraft, is a continuing and indeed, endless pursuit of knowledge, skill, and experience. Recommended for pilots and aficionados of the physics of flight, especially in the context of those who have (in some unfortunate way) violated those laws, whether in underestimating human weakness, failing to take in proper care to prepare their aircraft, or in lack of skill or knowledge. It is a sobering read, to be sure.… (meer)