Fossett search points out double standard

In theory, we are all equal. In practice, not so much.

On Tuesday, the search for millionaire aviator Steve Fossett, who disappeared a month ago in Nevada, was suspended again after what the Civil Air Patrol described as one of the largest efforts to locate a missing plane in modern history.

Fossett, 63, is known for sailing and flying around the world, setting aviation and distance records, including becoming the first person to complete a solo uninterrupted flight around the world in a hot-air balloon, and making the longest nonstop flight in aviation history.

The search had been renewed after Air Force experts thought they detected Fossett’s flight path from radar and satellite images.

According to the Associated Press, the search encompassed a 20,000 square-mile area, involving Civil Air Patrol pilots from Nevada and seven other states, the Nevada National Guard, the Air Force Rescue and Coordination Center, the state Department of Public Safety and ground crews organized by local authorities.

Experts in radar analysis from the Federal Aviation Administration, Air Force, Navy, National Transportation Safety Board and the Civil Air Patrol also were involved, using high-tech methods to try to determine Fossett’s flight path. A sonar-equipped boat has was used to search a lake to determine whether Fossett’s plane crashed there.

After the first two weeks, organizers estimated the effort cost about $600,000.

Would every missing pilot get a search of this magnitude? Of course not.

For example, during the hunt for Fossett, searchers spotted three crashed planes that had never been noticed. Now that the Fossett search is over, according to the New York Times, the Civil Air Patrol and the Nevada Division of Emergency Management plan to return to those sites to investigate.

We hope the Fossett family steps foward and pays for the unprecedented search. Otherwise, what does the Civil Air Patrol say to the family of Average Joe Pilot when his plane goes down, and the search is suspended after two days?

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

FILE - In this Jan. 22, 2019, file photo, Washington Supreme Court Justice Steven González listens to testimony during a hearing in Olympia, Wash. González has been elected as the next chief justice of the Washington state Supreme Court. He was elected by his colleagues on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, according to a news release sent by the court. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Editorial: Daunting fix to fund right to public defenders

With a court system in crisis, threatening justice, local governments say they can’t pick up the tab.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Nov. 21

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Commentary: County budget proposal deserves clear explanation

The proposal would use banked tax capacity, but would raise property taxes by $15 for a $650,000 home.

Killer whales not trapped in nets during the 1970 Penn Cove capture stayed near penned kin until the last one was hauled away on a truck. (Wallie Funk/Whidbey News-Times file)
Editorial: After 50 years, the message in orcas’ Penn Cove return

The return by L pod, following deadly roundups in 1970-71, should serve as a reminder of responsibility.

FILE — Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) on a ride-along with a Skamania County paramedic captain near Carson, Wash. on Feb. 26, 2024. Perez, who is on track to win re-election in her rural Washington district, says her party needs to stop demonizing others and recruit candidates from diverse backgrounds. (M. Scott Brauer/The New York Times)
Editorial: What Washington state’s results say about election

Both parties should consider what state voters had to say on the economy and government investments.

AquaSox centerfielder Jared Sundstrom throws the ball to a cutoff man during a game against the Vancouver Giants on une 5, at Funko Field in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald file photo)
Editorial: Keep AquaSox in Everett with a downtown ballpark

The school district park has served team and city well, but a new park offers economic power-hitting.

Stephens: Trump’s nominations of Gaetz defining deviancy down

Tapping Gaetz for AG isn’t just about ‘owning the libs’; it’s meant to instill cynicism about government.

Comment: Meet the moment’s hateful, fragile fear with courage

Nazis marching on streets and sinister texts signal the fear of those worried about losing their hold on power.

November 20, 2024: Trump Cabinet Selections
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Nov. 20

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Burke: Most ‘Asked For It,’ but where does that leave the rest?

Just as the president-elect prepares for the next four years, so can those who oppose his plans.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.