Damn, RIP Kobe.

Very well said.

 

Solely for the purpose as a status symbol.

 

Agreed. When LAPD grounds their birds going to assist that crash, you know what was up. Talking to a few of my VIP pilot buddies though, the pressure to fly when your payroll says fly is a tough thing to say "no" to.

 

I thought Kobe was the pilot?

Edit: NVM.

Found this:

Pilot (not Kobe) was flying under visual flight rules (VFR), meaning he was relying on his ability to see terrain below him

 

It’s obvious you don’t fly. I’ll take a short flight over a short drive any day, assuming weather allows. Same with riding my motorcycle vs my truck. They should have drove due to weather, but if it’s good weather, I’d much rather be in the air or feeling it on my bike, and that has nothing to do with being rich. most of the planes I fly cost less than a new Tacoma.

 

I’d take a short drive in shit weather over a short flight scud running, especially in terrain.

 

Sure, but that’s not what we were discussing was it.

 

Scud running just above the trees is a hell of a lot more fun than a drive though.

 

You’re correct. I misinterpreted crazysccrmd’s post.

Until you run out of room between the clouds and the trees.

 

I'm more upset about this than I should be, I didn't know him, but it just hit me hard. Being a Sixers fan and watching Him and AI battle in 2001, but I could never dislike Kobe. He was from the area and loved everything philly. He was my generations Michael Jordan. I hope his family is okay, Rest In Peace Kobe. You were one of my heroes.

 

While I would agree that most of the world does not travel around in a helicopter, they were traveling more than 14 miles. The helicopter had taken off from John Wayne airport near his home in Orange County and was traveling up to somewhere near his academy in Thousand Oaks. That is probably about 40-50 miles by car and you have to travel through LA to get there, which has crappy traffic pretty much 24-7... Bottom line it is a very sad day and may all of the families find comfort, RIP.

 

RIP to the greatest player of my generation. I think this blows people's minds for the distance covered to travel when he crashed. That section of the 405 to 101 is extremely unpredictable. I think this can be used as an example for people to adhere to ATC suggestions regardless of how much money you have.

 

This reminded me of the crash that killed Aaliyah, where the pilot insisted that the plane was overloaded and unsafe but the entourage pressured him to fly anyway because they had places to be.

 

Saying that he flew for the status or at the behest of his pay grade is a little myopic, in my opinion. He's talked about using helicopter flight as a way to avoid traffic and get more out of his day. Less time spent travelling means more time working on his craft while staying available to spend time with his kids. Maybe part of the reason they flew this trip was to give the other folks on board a chance to ride in a helicopter? I don't know. I think it is more plausible that all involved felt they were doing something routine and safe rather than unnecessary and risky.

There is an interview with a guy who was outside and in the area when it all happened. He has some sort of aviation experience (not necessarily a pilot, but he clearly had some knowledge of the industry). As he described the conditions, it sounded more like the particular pocket of fog that they entered was isolated to that area. I know other helicopters had been grounded, but I'm still not sure of the timing of when they were grounded, the area that it applied to, and if this pilot knowingly disregarded any sort of warning or expectation that they remain grounded. The pilot was very experienced. I'm inclined to believe that they left in conditions that were considered plenty adequate for safe travel. When they got to the area described by the aforementioned witness, they found themselves in a very precarious position. The pilot took the action that he felt would best help them get in to more visible airspace, but misjudged the proximity of the hills, and the collision happened. That's all speculation, though - which I hate doing. The investigation ought to turn up a pretty detailed description of events.

A local radio station was talking about this with regards to flying on private flights with sports teams. They said that they have taken off in some really uncomfortable conditions, but since they don't have the liability or PR to worry about, they get talked in to taking off to make sure that deadlines are met and such. The "boss" is riding on the plane and if you tell him/her "no", it could mean you get fired. What's crazy to me is that anyone would put their judgement ahead of someone more qualified than them in a matter like that. I'm not "afraid" of flying, per se, but I do have a healthy respect and awareness for all of the checks/balances, redundancies, and strict protocol that make air travel as safe as it is.

 

I’m still shocked and in disbelief. RIP

 

Other helicopters were grounded, such as the sheriff's helicopter, because they are 2 seaters that require line of sight with the ground and horizon. O instruments to fly via radar.

 

People want to sensationalize the story as much as possible. People don’t realize how the helicopter he flew in is superior on so many levels compared to Law enforcement. It’s like a Ferrari vs. Camry. No comparison in technology alone not to mention the capability.

 

I never want to fly in a helicopter unless my life absolutely depends on it, just because of this!