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We call them "fork tail doctor killers" at the airport I hang out at.

fnordfnordfnord 12y ago
Same here in Texas. I think the implication is that many of the pilots are/were "casuals" flying airplanes whose performance exceeded their skill.
- 6stringmerc 12y ago
  That's the version of the story I heard as well...to put a little bit more context, because the plane was quite expensive, typically the people who could afford to get one would be in a high paying profession. Anecdotally, the chat around pilot circles was also that the mental attitude of highly successful professionals - such as Doctors - gave an air of confidence that wasn't earned when it came to airplanes. As in, too self assured, and when it was time to trust the instruments or go down, the latter happened a lot more than the former. Side note: I haven't seen the number in a while, but supposedly the Dodge Viper was one of the most lethal cars when purchased new, in that it had so much performance that its inexperienced driver would get into trouble very quickly (as in, within weeks / a month of purchase). This was from quite a while ago, and I think several companies started including driving courses or 'limited performance' aspects to their flagship vehicles to prevent this kind of reputation (ex: 'Valet Key' or a specific dongle to unlock full potential).
  - ansible 12y ago
    I haven't seen the number in a while, but supposedly the Dodge Viper was one of the most lethal cars when purchased new, in that it had so much performance that its inexperienced driver would get into trouble very quickly... That doesn't surprise me. A front-engine, rear-wheel drive car could (depending on how the handling is adjusted) have massive oversteer coming out of a corner if you lay on the accelerator. So there are plenty of opportunities to get into trouble. In the hands of a pro, this can really help getting through the corner quickly. But an amateur could easily spin out.

Same here in Texas. I think the implication is that many of the pilots are/were "casuals" flying airplanes whose performance exceeded their skill.

6stringmerc 12y ago
That's the version of the story I heard as well...to put a little bit more context, because the plane was quite expensive, typically the people who could afford to get one would be in a high paying profession. Anecdotally, the chat around pilot circles was also that the mental attitude of highly successful professionals - such as Doctors - gave an air of confidence that wasn't earned when it came to airplanes. As in, too self assured, and when it was time to trust the instruments or go down, the latter happened a lot more than the former. Side note: I haven't seen the number in a while, but supposedly the Dodge Viper was one of the most lethal cars when purchased new, in that it had so much performance that its inexperienced driver would get into trouble very quickly (as in, within weeks / a month of purchase). This was from quite a while ago, and I think several companies started including driving courses or 'limited performance' aspects to their flagship vehicles to prevent this kind of reputation (ex: 'Valet Key' or a specific dongle to unlock full potential).
- ansible 12y ago
  I haven't seen the number in a while, but supposedly the Dodge Viper was one of the most lethal cars when purchased new, in that it had so much performance that its inexperienced driver would get into trouble very quickly... That doesn't surprise me. A front-engine, rear-wheel drive car could (depending on how the handling is adjusted) have massive oversteer coming out of a corner if you lay on the accelerator. So there are plenty of opportunities to get into trouble. In the hands of a pro, this can really help getting through the corner quickly. But an amateur could easily spin out.