I go out of my way to stay off commuter planes. I have skipped conferences because I would not fly on marginal airlines (and because of many mishaps, I also avoided flying on ValuJet).

Unfortunately most accidents are preventable. Planes don't fall out of the sky unless something is wrong.

The rule of thumb is that aircraft are built for a 20-year economic life. That doesn't mean they fall out of the sky after 20 years. But it does mean they need tender loving care.

Mallards are museum pieces. There are planes in museums younger than these.

It does look like an engine explosion, and an explosion so violent it sent the plane out of control.

Survivors are sometimes a little too brave. Many of my clients I've represented in the past have put on a stiff upper lip.

If the intention was to impede my safety activism they have probably succeeded. They have clipped my wings.

What we need is a national coordinated federal law enforcement oversight of airports because we are only as safe as our weakest link.

There is no other way to force the FAA to adequately do its job of overseeing the carriers of this country and enforcing aviation safety.