Ask Captain Lim

Dear Captain Lim,

About 1 1/2 years ago, I wrote to you concerning how safe is flying, etc. You responded and helped me out quite a bit. I would like to say that I appreciate the time and effort you have put into your web site.

I am flying back to Hungary and am fearful once again. I am wondering if you could help me out. I am flying with Delta Airlines direct from Cincinnati to Paris and then onward to Budapest.

My question is, as a result of bankruptcy problems with the airlines today, do you think it is as safe to fly? (due to budget cuts, etc.) Also, I am wondering whether the pilots flying out of the US are as good as those pilots since then. My 2nd flight is with Air France. And lastly, do you know of any more web sites that could help me. Oh, are the Boeing 777s the safest planes in the world today?

Thanks again,

Ricky, Cincinnati, USA.

Hi Ricky,

I wish to reassure you that airline pilots, wherever they may be from, are professionals. See this FAQ (Are Asian airline pilots any less competent?) They may complain about pay, pension payments, overworked, etc, but when it comes to flying and safety, nothing is compromised! Some major airlines in the US such as United Airlines, US Airways, Delta and Northwest airlines have bankruptcy problems but they have continued to operate safely. Yes, I know, bankruptcies have psychological effect on air travelers. Many fliers think bankruptcies are liquidation and massive cost cutting that would affect air safety. In reality, it is not the case. For instance, the Chapter 11 protection allows carriers to restructure successfully and continues to fly. Some even say that bankruptcy is the best thing to have happened to these major carriers.

Yes, US airline pilots, since you last flown are just as good as those you are going to fly with despite the bankruptcy problems. See how well Captain Scott Burke of JetBlue handled the landing of the defective Airbus A320 nose gears at the Los Angeles Airport last Wednesday evening - view the CNN video clip here. Well, the professional pilots of Air France are equally good!

Do I know of any more web sites that could be of help to you? Yes, I am personally in contact with two websites that may be useful to you as we share the same interest - writing on air safety and fear of flying issues. The first one is the Fear of Flying Forum here hosted by the editor of AirlineSafety.com, Capt Robert J Boser. He is a very experienced ex-United Airlines pilot with 33 years of flying behind him and flew many types of aircraft, such as the DC-6 right up to the Boeing 777.


The second site that may be of interest to you is from a current lady Boeing 777 captain from United Airlines. She is Cap'n Meryl Getline and runs this site, From the Cockpit as well as a Teleseminar here. (By the way, she has already written a successful book "The World at My Feet" with another one coming out soon!)

Are the Boeing 777s the safest planes in the world today? Ah, if you were asking the three pilots who have flown this aircraft, our views would probably be biased. Personally, I would say, yes despite one unfortunate close call that I know of. So far, there are no hull losses yet (touch wood!) and I hope it will continue to be so!

Wish you a safe flight to Budapest!