Rich, you are right of course. What I mean is that when weighing this complex calculus, FOR ME, it's not worth it, even considering the intangible thrill/enjoyment factor. To me, a more-dangerous ultralite, hang-glider, parasail etc. WOULD be worth it, because the additional marginal danger over a small aircraft (which I view as not much) would be greatly outweighed by the thrill/enjoyment factor. This would be akin to sky-diving, mountain climbing, motorcycle racing, alpine skiing, or what have you, all of which I love or know I would if I did it. But so many COMPETENT pilots have bit it that I cannot even begin to think they all were screwups. So, what do you get from it? Point A to Point B will a little enjoyment and a lot of monetary expense and more than a little risk. For you and others, it's obviously worth it. For me, between cars, jetliners, trains, etc. and the high-risk but very-high thrill activities to placate that side of me, I see boarding a small plane as an imprudent gamble with my life and health. I fear disability/maiming far more than I fear death. As someone pointed out, there's no way to coast to the curb. To each his own.
Incidentally, I view horseback riding (certainly rodeo participation) and playing football as unreasonably dangerous, too. For me, it's not worth risking serious injury to my knees, wrists, ankles, or spinal column, primarily because the intrumentality causing the injury is out of my control (a high-speed football opponent hiting my knee, or an unexpectedly-gone-berserk horse throwing me). But with skiing, motorcycle riding, etc., my element of personal control of the risk of harm is much greater. Now, arguably, one has as much control over the small plane if you're the pilot as the motorcycle (investigate the mechanics' competence, inspect the machine yourself, rely on your own training and judgment, etc.), but a motorcycle I can always plan on how I'm going to lay it over if something goes SNAFU. With a plane, it's pretty much put you head between your legs and kiss your butt goodbye.
Also, the reason I play hockey now instead of football, soccer, etc. is because in hockey, the injuries are usually to the face or ribs which are usually easily repairable with a little money and time (plus I'm ugly as sin already), but an injury to a joint can give you lifelong problems. I've gone astray here...
[This message has been edited by Futo Inu (edited July 23, 1999).]
[This message has been edited by Futo Inu (edited July 23, 1999).]