Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Radical Islam or Violent Extremism?
Date:	3/26/2015 9:06:22 AM

it is coming out now that apparently the copilot of the recently crashed German airliner deliberately flew the craft and all 150 souls int the side of a mountain.  If one rules out suicide the most likely cause becomes Radical Islam or violent extremism in the name of another cause.  In this case, the perp is a 28 year old German.

i invite comment from forum poster Ulysses McGill, who we know to be a commercial airline pilot.  What kind of background checks must aircrews pass in order to fly?  Are the rules different between the U.S. and other countries?  Are there any continuing checks like the periodic re investigations folks with high level national security clearances must undergo?  Any knowledge you can share with us will be appreciated.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Radical Islam or Violent Extremism?
Date:	3/26/2015 9:41:30 AM

The co-pilot was identified and had a German name.  May still have been an Islamorascist but more likely personal problems, mental health issues, etc.  I would guess that airline pilots go through a similar screening process that someone who has a Global Entry card has but they do have to go through TSA screening like the rest of us poor saps, although sometimes in a separate line.  Just a guess onmy part.  I can tell you a private pilot only has a regular physical and flight checks for a rating and reviews for currency.  No background check, nor is one needed, but at Class B airports we tool around with the commerical planes....always watching for wake turbulence of course.  :-)

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	Radical Islam or Violent Extremism?
Date:	3/26/2015 11:41:54 AM

It seems doubtful to me that co-pilot was a terrorist.  More likely someone who was deeply unhappy and just decided to end it all.  Once someone decides to end their life, they can seem perfectly normal because they are at peace with having a final solution to their pain.  Most people who commit suicide don't threaten it, they just do it.  So even if there are mental checks by professionals, how would they know, unless the person admitted to being very depressed. 

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Radical Islam or Violent Extremism?
Date:	3/26/2015 5:20:54 PM (updated 3/26/2015 5:23:37 PM)

In the old days, there was a 3rd person......flight engineer. As I understand, when one leaves the cockpt, a steward(ess) is to enter the  cockpit so there are always 2  behind the lcoked door.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Radical Islam or Violent Extremism?
Date:	3/26/2015 5:26:31 PM (updated 3/26/2015 5:28:00 PM)

Did you change your post?  I swear the answer below made sense to what you originally posted.

Two problems with this theory.  First, there is a way for the pilot to get into the cockpit unless someone inside manually prevents that from happening. Second, if he was incapacitated the autopilot would have just motored on at 38,000 feet until they broke the door down and got in.  So he manually set the door so no one could get back in and he switched off the autopilot causing the descent.  I suppose its possible he mistakenly manually latched the door so the pilot could not get back in, passed out for some reason and when he slumped over despite being belted in he knocked the autopilot off.  Possible but very unlikely.  Think Ochams Razor here.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Radical Islam or Violent Extremism?
Date:	3/26/2015 6:50:11 PM

Just as I posted, I heard on CNN that it was set on auto pilot to go from 38,000 ft to 100. So, the theory of heart attack was open to you telling me I was wrong. Can't handle negative feedback from a wimpy right winger. So, I just deleted the dam* sentence. Kinda brilliant  if I say so myself but you were quite perceptive. A rather infrequest happening. Cheers.