Gerry,
First, let me say that it was never (nor is it) my intention to rile anyone up. I only say what I say in the interest of fairness. Due to human nature, we often are prone to emotionalism and this can cloud our objectivity. I understand and appreciate that many here have been hurt by the WTB&TS and/or their representatives. This is, among other things, very sad. Thus I want to make it clear that I am not a WTB&TS apologist. On the other hand it is difficult for me to observe the dissemination of views that could be perceived as slanted. Gerry, if you were my worst enemy and someone was saying untrue and unfair things about you, I would stick up for you. Call me dumb, but that's the way it is. It is with that sentiment in mind that I say what I say .
Now, I'll see if I can answer your questions:
Your silence to my request seems to imply you do not have a credible source of information of your defense of the WT's purchase and use of a luxury aircraft to go visiting fishing lodges.
I'm not defending "the WT's purchase and use of a luxury aircraft to go visiting fishing villages." If it could be proven that this is what they were doing, I would not defend that. I am however defending fairness and objectivity. Both of which do not leave room for broad assumptions. Also, a relatively simple multi-seat plane can hardly be called a "luxury aircraft", anymore than a school bus could be called a conversion van.
This plane was purchased at a discounted price and required considerable renovations.
I have access to very good databases and never read that. Would you mind sharing this source of with us? My eyeballs.
This work was performed on a volunteer basis (of course).
As a private pilot, I can assure you that only FAA-certified mechanics on airframes and powerplants are authorized to overhaul an aircraft. Their labor is not cheap, neither are the parts. Would you mind sharing this source with us? My eyeballs.
The pilots are dubs so there's no cost there.
"The airline transport certificated pilot and the three passengers were not injured. http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20030702X01003&key=1
This means that the pilot is a twin-engine commercial pilot; Not your average Alaskn private pilot. Again, commericial pilots are not cheap. Would you mind sharing this source with us? You're right. This brother is not your average Alaskan private pilot.
Flying is a legitimate means of transportation in Alaska and many people, dubs or not, own and operate their own planes
Flying is legitimate. I am questioning the moral and fairness to use donated funds to purchase and operate a fancy twin-engine aircraft loaded with four dubs going to visit villages with no infrastructure other that one fishing lodge and 2 natives? You're right again. If all the villages in Alaska were like that it wouldn't make much sense would it? By the way, I was going to joke and say, "Cool your jets!" but I didn't know how you'd take it! lol Syrup
