April 2010 Archives

Re the suspension of flights over Europe - are we a nation that takes its safety seriously or do we just love to have something to moan about?

I've watched and heard would-be travellers moaning about how the disruption that the halted flights have caused to them. The grounding of flights because of the volcanic ash clouds caused by an eruption in Iceland was always going to cause problems. I know there are people stranded in far off lands whose situations may be more serious than people looking to jet off on holiday. Prayerfully their issues will be looked on favourably.

I am glad that the aviation authorities have taken action to preserve the lives of travellers, rather than wait for a disaster and then lament about what they should have done.

How many instances have we had recently of authorities turning a blind eye to potential problems or take necessary action, then telling us where they went wrong and how they are going to 'ensure this tragedy never happens again?' Baby P, Khyra Ishaq and Harold Shipman ring a bell? Need I go on?

Remember any damage to aircraft flying through the ash may not become apparent for some time. Who knows what effects the ash will have once it had seeped into and settled on aeroplane engines?

Sometimes life isn't about taking actions that suit us now but the more serious effects they may have in the longer term. Agree?