Because there are certain epistemological problems with detecting which small, private plane holds an enemy, and which holds a citizen (I admit, because of our government's lax policy on granting visas, etc.), I agree with banning the flights _as a temporary measure_. But I am sceptical as to whether the government is doing its part, either in the war, or in correcting their lax visa policies. If I was a private pilot, that's the message I'd be trying to get out there. Each of us has to work on our own front to (1) try and preserve our own lives and our own rights, and (2) try and get the government to start doing its job properly, without endangering either. This, unfortunately, is a monumental task.
With sympathy,
Lynn
We pilots are certainly willing to help in the "war" on terrorism, but these knee-jerk flight restrictions are simply absurd.
They are analogous to banning guns because someone might commit a crime with them. Just as criminals will always be able to find guns if they want them, criminals will always be able to crash an airplane into a public area if they want to. Having a federal law prohibiting them from doing so does not stop either of them.
If I were a terrorist and wanted to blow up Disney World, I would simply file IFR from Lakeland to Orlando - which is still legal - and then do my business as I passed abeam Disney. There is simply no way that the FAA or an AWACS or the entire USAF could stop me before I did my deed. (maybe they could shoot me down after)
It's absurd - an unconstitutional - to order the 200,000+ private pilots to just stay on the ground. It's a taking by the government without compensation. The only reason they can get away with it is that we pilots are vastly outnumbered by the Rosie O'Donnell's out there.
Just remember, if they can do it to one minority, they can do it to everybody.