Garuda pilots show integrity

Garuda pilots show integrity

We have all watched and listened to the tragedy surrounding
Garuda Indonesia flight GA 152 over the past few days. I would
like to add a few words regarding the living.

Dealing with the loss of loved ones or friends is one of the
top three stressful events a human being may endure. Yet the
pilots of Garuda Indonesia who have survived this tragedy have
done so in a manner which is noteworthy.

Both in the printed and electronic media, including CNN, the
surviving pilots have shown professionalism, dedication and
loyalty.

When queried by CNN regarding pilot error, the response by a
Garuda pilot was: "a lot of events cause an airline to crash not
only pilot error."

When interviewed by newspapers one Garuda pilot, after
mentioning the deceased pilot's exemplary service, stated: "...
it is too premature to know what happened."

These are just two examples but the pilots stood by their
friend.

Now, as we receive more data regarding the crash, it looks
like they were right to stand by their colleague, even when the
chips were down. The pilot questioningly followed (erroneous)
directions from the tower, exactly as they have been educated to
do.

Based on this finding, it appears the results of the still
missing flight data recorders will clarify that the pilot flew
his jet into the ravine only to learn, as he thought, that he had
been erroneously guided.

Last July, I scheduled my wife to come to Jakarta from Los
Angeles on board Garuda Indonesia. I am happy that I have made
the correct decision with my choice of pilots.

For the 39 years I have had the pleasure of living, one thing
has stood out: people of integrity always do the right thing (and
sometimes at great detriment to themselves).

The pilots of Garuda Indonesia have shown nothing but
integrity over the past few days. I am certain my wife will be in
good hands.

MARK TEMPLE

Jakarta