Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Very Young Children in AERC Riding

I live only 30 miles from the town and airport from where Jessica first took
off and 25 miles from her home.  She had as companions her flying instructor
and her father.  I believe it is recognized that the flight instructor, who
should have known better, urged or otherwise authorized Jessica to take off
into the teeth of an oncoming Wyoming storm.  Rather than blame the 7-year
old girl for the disaster, perhaps blame would be better directed at the man
who was supposed to be knowledgeable enough to be a flight instructor.

Barbara


---- Original Message -----
From: "Val Nicoson" <sweetmare55@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <greymare@xxxxxxx>; <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2002 5:14 AM
Subject: RE: [RC] Very Young Children in AERC Riding


> >>>>...there are many professionals that are far more
> qualified to vote on this matter than a lot of
> parents.  Shall we remember the 7 year old girl who
> (had a dream to fly across the country), that crashed
> and died?  Yes, that was her "dream" to do that.  I am
> not arguing that she be denied her dream (she was most
> likely an exceptional child), but what she attemped to
> do was NOT appropriate for her AGE!<<<<
>
> Another lurker that's come out in the open on this
> subject of young riders.  Stating that "professionals"
> are better qualified than parents at making decisions
> for children is a mighty strong statement.  The post
> regarding CA rule changes in the social/mental/health
> departments because of a change in regimes states that
> this just isn't so...else the professionals making
> these rules wouldn't change them because of new
> management.
> I remember the 7-year-old girl who crashed her plane.
> It was a sorry day for aviation...but I back her
> parents for allowing her to follow her dream.  Our
> older son started flying young (although not that
> young...only when he showed an interest) so I am aware
> of the training involved here.  He was flying before
> he was driving and has flown his parents/brother from
> IL to FL several times.  For her to have flown across
> country means she had to have been qualified to
> fly...pilots go through lots of emergency scenarios
> while "in the air" to practice for just such.  Not
> only that but pilots are always listening and/or
> talking to some air controller...and I'm sure she had
> a radio (don't recall exactly).  Through out their
> training there is an instructor on board to ensure
> they are knowledgeable.  Don't downgrade that crash
> because of her AGE...even highly-experienced pilots
> crash who have YEARS of flying.
> To lean back toward endurance--I'm sure any young
> children riding have had lots of trail experience and
> time in the saddle to be qualified riders.  I'm hoping
> these parents have properly prepared them and am sure
> that the horses they ride are dead broke and safe...in
> any circumstances.
> Agree with the statement that let's keep this
> endurance related and stop comparing it to other
> activities...that could go on forever.  Keep the vote
> for ONLY parents as professionals change their minds
> to suit their interests.  I am not a member of AERC
> but do have children.  I hope to do an LD endurance
> ride this coming year (my first).  I agree with having
> no minimum age requirements set...leave that to ride
> management...or pull the parent/child team should the
> parent make poor decisions on any particular ride.
> That would be much better...allowing good parents and
> their children to ride...and "pulling" the others on
> an "as needed" basis.
> Back to lurking,
> Val
>
>
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 Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
 Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
 Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

 If you are an AERC member - PLEASE VOTE in the upcoming By-Laws 
 Election!!!! (it takes 2/3rds to tango!!)

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