[oldE]

No argument regarding DGs accident evaluation. What keeps a craft flying is simple physics. Fall outside the envelope and your next stop is Mother Earth.
The part of his message I find compelling is the simple training standards which are OK for general Aviation but are really only a starting point for military and most commercial flyers.
His recent interview with a fellow from Louisiana (with 1500 hours) who crashed into a field in Texas was a very good reminder that many folks are getting by only because they haven't found themselves in a situation where their training and experience are no longer applicable. The guy had an engine malfunction, didn't declare an emergency until it quit, lowered his gear to help lose altitude and ended up stalling the aircraft about 30 feet up.
I look at it as a parallel to our driver training in this part of the world. We all know how minimal that is, with no follow up. Granted, getting a general aviation license is a more involved process but what happens after that?
How do you prepare for power loss on take off? Does anyone plan where they will set down in that scenario?
As I said before, I am not a pilot and aside from wanting some time at the controls with an instructor pilot, I am just exploring general aviation in light aircraft. I like "low and slow" but recognize the truism that crashes happen when you run out of altitude, airspeed and ideas. I was at one time in my life, a Boy Scout. I have a firm belief in "Be prepared!".
Thanks for letting me ramble.
Les