Not replying directly to you, except the "excuse anything" part:
It's a funny idea that you owe your opponent in a war a "fighting chance", when in fact the exact OPPOSITE is true. You, in fact, owe your own soldiers every reasonable effort to eliminate your opponent's ability to fight back, as that ability directly translates to your soldiers getting hurt or killed.
One other point of clarification. Fleeing is NOT surrendering. You can't let your enemy flee unhindered only to regroup later.
Could have been really crappy weather and a very turbulent flight. I'm not sure I would be able to tell the difference between 2.5g and some of the severe jolts I've been in.
The increased risk people are talking about have been demonstrated in the form of crashed airliners.
The entire rubric of reporting deviations early and often was developed as it was identified as a major cause of crashes in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
Per this particular incident: It is a big deal the FO screwed up. It's a bigger deal that the screwup was not reported, as it's an indication that the culture of the airline is more concerned with reputation than keeping everyone alive.
Autoland is not the common landing method unless you're in very poor visibility. Pilots DO use it in good weather or other situations, but that's mostly to keep current on their certifications for its use. For those who are curious, look up Category III (Cat III) or 0/0 approaches. Those are the ones autoland are intended for.
Secondly, amongst pretty much every common definition of experience "small commercial plane" operators are almost always less experienced than airline pilots, at least in the US. The reason for this is simple, to be a commercial pilot you need 250 hours of flight experience. To be an airline pilot you need 1500. Small commercial businesses are commonly where pilots pick up the experience needed to even apply to be an airline pilot.
Other common sources: 1) Flight instructing (also a small commercial gig), 2) The military, 3) Aviation schools and lots of $$$$
It's in the wikipedia article, but just want to call something out: That particular airframe 367-80 is in the Air and Space Udvar-Hazy museum at Dulles. It is gorgeous.
Primarily, yes. There are international treaties regarding power, frequency, and transmissions that make sure you're not stomping on people. Each of the countries involved wants to make sure the operators know and understand what is expected.
Flip that around. In a very real sense the criminal either chose to dehumanize his victims, or ignore the suffering he was causing (arguably worse). "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
Also, some people are just shitheads, and I don't think we can say with any degree of certainty where Foreshadow sits.
This is great! Expect the EPA and the FAA to finally ban 100LL, which will be a great boon for everyone.
Note, you will require an STC, but not poising yourself with lead will probably net out the costs in the long run.
* I am a pilot of piston engines, and I really don't like 100LL being the only option
One other point of clarification. Fleeing is NOT surrendering. You can't let your enemy flee unhindered only to regroup later.