Just read your "Rude Awakening" article (I know, I'm behind in reading). I agree with your conclusion; but you had a "great" experience flying commercially. What if:
They lost your checked baggage
You spent a few hours sitting out on the tarmac while they waited on mechanic, wx, etc.
You missed your connecting flight or it was cancelled
Those babies had not been good and were sitting next to you with brothers behind you
They were overbooked and you had to fight for your reservation
They picked you for the more extensive pre-boarding inspection
Atlanta was on hold for a thunderstorm and your flight lost it's gate assignment
Dan
Good advice; but pretty hard to remember everything under the stess of no engine. I had a placard made that I put on the instrument panel so I didn't forget anything (wind direction, squawk code, etc.) I forgot to check wind direction on my first engine failure (in the mountains). Having the check list right there also has a calming effect and my wife could even help by dialing in the correct txp code during my next engine failure (at night). I figure I'm ok in the daylight over Kansas : >).
Dan
