Posted By: Cabbage Hill, Crooked Island On: 10/14/2010

Title: PLANE CRASH

My heart goes out to the families of all those who lost their loved ones in the crash, especially the hanna family>>>>May God sustain each of you individually and collectively, and may the souls of the departed, rest in peace

Posted By: capron On: 10/9/2010

Title: KILARNEY CRASH!

if a co-pilot was on this flight,as speculated; then one should'ave been flying the air-craft,whilst the other was doing the trouble-shooting the problem(s)!

Posted By: capron! On: 10/9/2010

Title: KILARNEY CRASH!

many of us are getting it all wrong!...the pilot had the type rating(s) & licence to operate that particular air-craft!...what comes into play, is the licence to ferry passengers for hire!...air-charter licence!...there's a difference between the two!...how-ever, the passengers may CHOOSE to share in the operating expenses, if this flight was being operated as a private flight! ...difficult to prove!....victims are all deceased!...even if there was a survivour,would they have been honest enough to come forth?...lets likened this to a taxi & private motor vehicle operator(s)...one is gain-fully employed & the other is not; yet-still,many would still support the one with with-out the appropiate licence to be gainfully employed to carry passengers for hire!....many of us are guilty of this!...we must look at the markings on this air-craft(decals or logo)!....y wasn't the passengers(with the exception of one) names,addresses & telephone #s listed on the manifesto?.be it commercial or private!....the pilot in command,decides whether a flight is safe!....one mistake can lead to a chain of events!...scenarios to consider:- air-worthiness certificate,weight n ballance,was the pilot's certificates n medicals up to par?...it is a known fact world-wide, that more emphasis(training) needs to be placed on emergency procedures; in particular; in-flight fires & engine(s)-out(failure)!....especially on take-off or climb-out phase of the flight,which is the most critical!...at this phase, the engine(s) are operating at their peak:-full throttle & mixiture set to full-rich!...in just about all multi-engined air-craft,the hydraulics are located in the left engine if this was where the problem occured, then very little could have been done,pending on the weight & balance!.....other factors could come into play,which i hope to comment on,as soon as the results of the investigation is completed! hope they look at the whether the failed prop was feathered or did the pilot applied the correct procedures,given the circumstances!.....may their souls rest in peace & my concolences to the families & all loved ones!

Posted By: Shocked On: 10/7/2010

Title: Bahamians at each other

We thought you guys only lacked respect for Jamaicians and Haitians. Now we know you also lack respect for each other. During this sad time we are shocked to see so much cold hearted posting wow. People died for heaven safe

Posted By: sean major On: 10/6/2010

Title: just a bahamian on the inside.

I said this befor and i'll say it again, bahamains are not proactive!!!! A group of bahamain pilots went to the news papers, facebook and on T.V talking about unsafe pratises by CHARTER AIRLINES!!!! ( A.O.C holders ). the questions was raised.... are these pilots just looking for more money? if a doctor say ya need more blood... ya need more blood, if a macanic say ya car need more oil ya need more oil... if a pilot say we need to look at safety here in the bahamas we need to look at safety! a commercial pilot is a commercial pilot, the only difference between the one that works fa the charter company and catp hanna is that charter company pilots works fa someone that has a A.O.C THATS IT!!!!!!!!!!! like EX-Charter pilot said F.S.I makes it really difficult to get ya A.O.C and it's just a matter of getting manuals and a few other things made up but here's the thing, these manuals have to be approve by F.S.I and some NOT ALL of the inspectors make up these manuals fa a really reall really!!!! unreasonable price but if ya want it ya gat ta pay : ) so if you deciede that this is unfair and just want to do things the right way......no pay no A.O.C this is just one of about a thouand things that need to be looked at here in the bahamas. that plane did not crash because capt: Hanna was not a A.O.C holder, it crashed because these planes are man made and things happen.

Posted By: Ali On: 10/6/2010

Title: Gone Too Soon

Heart felt condolences goes out to the daughter and family of Delon "Cameraman "Taylor. The staff at Marley Resort and Spa will miss you . Only God can heal your family pain, he will carry all their burden, and to rest of the other men family just hold fast God will see you all through this heart wrenching period in your lives.

Posted By: Honest Lady On: 10/6/2010

Title: Saddened by Comments

I was just reading over a few comments, Most people came online to read the news and comment about what the news is about, if one wants to grieve then let them, if one wants to speak out about the situation, then let them. In this country we have freedom of speech , don't we!! My thing is this yes persons died, but Mr. Major was not the fault of the accident, and UNTILl official reports has been made, then no one is at fault. I was also looking at the history of the plane someone posted and wondered if that was true, why isn't that in records when persons try to license or register a plane, so that they can say this plane is not ok for flying. To me it makes no sense to blame a man without a private charter license for a crash whether he had a license to fly a private plane itS totally not the cause of the accident at the moment!! We need to stop beaten up on each other in situations like this...8 MEN JUST LOST THEIR LIVES.. IS THIS REALLY SOMETHING WE SHOULD BE ARGUING OVER...MAY THIS SITUATION BRING FATHERS CLOSER TO THEIR CHILDREN AND CLOSER TO CHRIST!!! AND MAY WE RESPECT THE DEAD!!!

Posted By: RADICAL On: 10/6/2010

Title: DONT BLAME THE DEAD!!!!!

DELVIN MAJOR OR NO OTHER PERSON SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO LAY THE BLAME AT THE FEET OF THE DEAD PILOT. HE WAS JUST DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST. HE WAS NO DOUBT AN EXCELLENT PILOT. WITH REFERENCE TO THE AOC CERTIFICATION, THAT IS UTTER FOOLISHNESS. EVERYONE LOOKS FOR THE BEST DEAL IN THE MARKET. EVEN THE MINISTRY OF SPORTS AND CULTURE BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS HIRE THE LATE CAPTAIN NELSON HANNA TO TAKE THEIR E.CLEMENT BETHEL ADJUDICATORS FROM BIMINI IN THE NORTH TO INAGUA IN THE SOUTH TO GET THEIR BUSINESS DONE. AND THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT MANY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS DID LIKEWISE....GUESS WHY...THE MAN WAS AN EXTREMELY EXCELLENT PILOT...STOP BLAMING THE DEAD...GET IT RIGHT MAJOR AND YOUR CONFEDERATES. MAY THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE...

Posted By: Bahamian On: 10/6/2010

Title:

To everyone who is blaming Mr Major for having the plane in the air, I dont know if you read the article properly but he is simply an accident investigator not the person who goes around processing paperwork, loading luggage and giving people the go ahead to fly....someone else processed the paperwork and knowing how bahamians go, someone who dont mind overlookin things and it is this person who should be questioned if ull lookin ta shift blame...that being said i send my condolences to the families of the victims...whatever the reason for the plane crash is the point is a plane went down and eight families are now hurting,..May God comfort u in ur time of pain, I'm sure that ur loved ones will be dearly missed by all who knew and worked with them.

Posted By: LMP On: 10/6/2010

Title: Bahamians as a Whole are to blame

Condolences to the grieving families, it's so very hard to loose a loved one, I will pray for their souls.
As my title says, Bahamians as a whole are to blame for what happened to these people. The one who turned his back on the plane been flown in bad condition. and more than likely took a bribe. For the pilot who did not have the correct credentials, but had to fly them anyway otherwise get laid off. The aviation department for not cracking down on those operating without the correct licenses and more than likely been bribe to let things pass. For the government for not doing their jobs all in the name of getting votes the next time round, and getting payoffs.
What a sorry lot this country has come too, when you no longer can trust the police because they charge you with made up things so that they can get bribed to "get it lost". When the court system is as bad and the court police want $ so that they can drop some charges.
This whole country has gone down the tubes with everyone you come across with their hands out expecting to be paid for the services they receive wages for anyway. This whole country is so crime ridden, what a terrible shame that Paradise is actually Hell.

Posted By: Nakia On: 10/6/2010

Title: VERY SAD DAY

I'd like to extend my condolences to the families that lost a loved one in the tragic plane crash, i'm sure they'll live on in the hearts of all those that loved and cared for them. I've read alot of the comments posted here and just wanted to say, YES, there may have been some things Nelson did that were wrong according to speculations, aviation rules and regulations and also according to what Mr. Major said, but the fact of the matter is Nelson's DEAD, and so are his passengers,no right or wrong can change that. In the work place when we do something wrong we're held accountable for our actions and i do believe Nelson paid the ultimate price for his. Since Nelson is dead and there are still questions that needs to be answered, who's shoulders does this fall on? I think seeing that Mr. Big mouth, let me throw all the blame on the dead man, i wasn't aware of what was going on Major should answer some of these questions, like but not limited to, why were there only one name on the manifest but several bodies being taken to the morgue, someone had to see the passengers boarding, who put the luggage on the plane? hmmmm. When i fly any carrier i always notice the agents counting the passengers and checking their manifests, small plane, big plane, domestic travel, international travel it doesn't matter it should've been done. I am so sorry to say this because I am a Bahamian and proud to be one, but we are too laid back, too relaxed and because of our actions, what happened yesterday is the ultimate price we payed.

Posted By: Jagroo On: 10/6/2010

Title: SINCEREST SYMPATHY

It is indeed a sad situation in our country today following the fatal crash by my very good friend Capt. Nelson Hanna. First of all I would like to express my condolences to the families of the deceased men, especially the Hanna family who is like my own, on behalf of my family and I and all the residents of Little Farmer's Cay, Exuma. May the good Lord provide strength to the respective families in this their hour of sadness. May their souls rest is peace...

Posted By: Michael Jobe On: 10/6/2010

Title: Plane Crash

My sincere condolences from the People of Trinidad and Tobago and especially the Bahamian citizens that reside here.Your lost is shared.May god comfort us all.

Posted By: Thomas's Pain On: 10/6/2010

Title: PM offers CONDOLENCES???

If this is true... "Mr Major said Mr Hanna had a commercial licence, but was not an AOC holder, which means he was not authorised to operate private charters."
... then Hubert should not be offering condolences, but APOLOGIES, because he's the head of a government that allows irresponsible hackers to kill people.
Weren't there a number of articles in the Tribune lately, predicting that exactly this kind of scenario was bound to happen?

Posted By: Americano On: 10/6/2010

Title: Mr. Major

Why is everyone angry at Mr.Major? Mr major wasn't flying the plane.Half of you bahamians drive without a drivers license or car insurance, so you expect the police to stop every car and check? This country as a whole and it's slack government needs to change.The mind set of bahamian people need to change.If the plane wasn't suppose to be in the air, it shouldnt have been in the air. These airline companies just want to make the mighty dollar, worry about safety later.No one is questioning Nelson safety record, but can he perform if he lost an engine? Was he trained to handle any airplane problem?This is backdoor Bahamas and we all know about the backdoor.May their souls rest in peace.

Posted By: On-line Reader On: 10/6/2010

Title: Hate Flying

I hate flying, really have to psyche myself out just to get on a plane. Saddened and shocked to hear that eight Bahamian men lost their lives so suddenly and quickly. Aren't we losing enough men as it is to drugs, crime, prison and gangs?! That being said, we Bahamians need to follow rules, do things properly so we can avoid upsetting situations (same thing with the NY straw vendors). We need a reorganization of the entire Bahamian mindset. Think of how your actions will affect those family members who will be left behind asking "why?"

Posted By: Bahamians abroad On: 10/6/2010

Title: in sadness

From the Bahamian families and friends of California: our hearts are overwhelm with sadness, as we express our condolences to the families friends and in extensions to the citizens of the Bahamas, in the wake of the plane crash yesterday, and with lost of the seven souls aboard. Also; It is sad that some of you commentators have the luxury of being so crueley critical in times like these. However so, we deeply hope that peace will prevail over our Bahama-land.

Posted By: Taneka On: 10/6/2010

Title: My Condolences

My Prayers go out to the families of the victims in the crash....this is a sad day!

Posted By: da_debil On: 10/6/2010

Title: huhwhat

all this praying and condolences on this comment section is just silly.
you all using fake identities here. Want to send them condolences, send them a card, a real one, from a real person.

Posted By: Concerned Young Bahamian On: 10/6/2010

Title: Are we concern with what is RIGHT or what is POLITICALLY CORRECT TO SAY?

Whether it was appropriate or note for Mr. Major's remark is NOT the issue here. He was drawing reference to the MANY QUESTIONS left unanswered due to the flight and on NUMEROUS occasions he made the remark "I am not stating that this is the case until an investigation is complete." We Bahamians need to wake up and stop focusing on what is POLITICALLY CORRECT to say in public and start fixing our country. Just WEEKS ago I could remember Mr. Major commenting on the illegal chartering of flights (link to article: http://www.tribune242.com/news/09072010_nkn-hacking-LEAD_news_pg3) and he mentioned that is appropriate steps are not taken by the pilots and passengers, the outcome can be fatal. This incident is indeed unfortunate and what is more heart breaking is that due to lack of judgment (slackness), insurance companies will not pay claim to this case at the end of the day....meaning that demands will be levied upon the government to provide some assistance....can anyone remember the unfortunate SEA HAULER INCIDENT? Cause I surely do....lost two family members there due the the SLACK navigation of the boat captain! We as a Bahamian public need to take responsibility for our actions....my condolences go out to the family and friends as we all have lost a great team of men, FATHERS especially! Bahamas wake up and let us start doing things RIGHT!

Posted By: general On: 10/6/2010

Title: @ Sad gone mad

No, the story is of a Plane Crash.
>> Plane crashes in Lake Killarney <<
That is an event, a story, something happened, not about grieving.
You must have clicked on the wrong story.
Like I said, if you want to mourn then go over to a facebook page or something, this is a news story and we are here to know WHAT HAPPENED.
Im certainly not cold hearted, but religious nuts like you need to just turn off the computer if you cant handle the truth. Its okay though, go about your praying while others do the hard work of investigating and trying to stop this from happening again, while nutcases brandish them as heartless and liars for stating obvious facts. Good luck with all that. Anyway, you appear to be about as intelligent as a macdonald's french fry. And the only thing ingrained in the Bahamas culture is slackness and lawlessness.

Posted By: lennybenny On: 10/6/2010

Title: @General

@ general: I totally agree with you. The pilot is responsible for the safety of all the passengers on board. The “professionalism” of this pilot is questionable. According to news reports, the flight manifest indicated 1 passenger, when there were 7. Why would a “professional” pilot make such a misrepresentation of passenger loads. Mr. Major stated that the pilot “was not an AOC holder, which means he was not authorized to operate private charters”. Any “professional” pilot, would know or should know not to operate private charters if he/she was not a AOC holder – in other words, any “professional” pilot would know his scope of practice. I am a registered nurse. Each shift I have full responsibility for 6-7 patients. During my shift if something goes wrong with one of those patients, I better make sure I know why, where, what, how, and when. Just like the pilot who was not a AOC holder, as a nurse I do not hold a medical degree. If a patient tells me to give him a new pain medicine, I cannot and will not do it, because I do not have the authority to prescribe medicines. As a professional with a license, I know or should know my scope of practice.

Posted By: Sad Gone Mad On: 10/6/2010

Title: @General

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the story WAS the loss of 8 lives and the grief now consuming their families? If that's not the way you see it then your beliefs are CERTAINLY in the minority and it makes any intelligent person question your humanity. Regardless of all else; professionalism is professionalism, respect is respect, it is something ingrained in our culture, instilled in us from birth. "Loose lipped" is NOT the word for Mr. Major's actions today, in fact, legally, he ensured a case for defamation of character and liable against himself and the Department of Civil Aviation today and could potentially cost the government an enormous amount in a civil case. And yes, there are some cold hearted persons like yourself that do not mourn with those families tonight as is your right, but at least RESPECT them. "They cannot wait till you have finished mourning".....no one's asking them to; but the fact of the matter is, the bodies will not be OFFICIALLY identified until TOMORROW MORNING...so their mourning process has not even begun. Sidebar...IF what Mr. Major has stated is true...then HOW and WHY was it allowed to happen under his very nose....the fact of the matter is, the buck stops at him, so no matter WHICH way this goes, his head is on the chopping block.

Posted By: general On: 10/5/2010

Title: @ denise and others

the finger point must begin right away, in fact it should have been pointed before this happened, you can mourn and that is your right but the time is now for investigators and others in charge not to mourn and get busy and make sure something like this does not happen again tonight or tomorrow - ofcourse their investigation could take some time though. They may have been loose lipped and should not have spoken so soon about details of the ongoing investigation, but what they said is hardly classified information. So dont expect everyone to mourn with you, they may be busy trying to find out what happened and stopping it from happening again - that does not mean they do not feel for the victims .. but life goes on, there are still a couple hundred thousand other Bahamians to save from similar tragedy - and they cannot wait until you have finished mourning. A newspaper comment section or an Internet forum is not the place for mourning anyway, this is a place to discuss the story, it would be better if you wish to not talk about the grit of the story and instead pray and mourn or send condolences then you should perhaps goto your local church or go be with other friends of the victims, or perhaps start a facebook page for it. We come here to discuss the story - thats the bottom line. Back to the pilot, whether or not he had a licence for charter flights could come into play, as if the plane was overloaded that is the responsibility of the pilot - if it was engine trouble, also the responsibility of the pilot to make sure the plane was checked properly before take off - if no proper flight plan was made then how is one to believe that was done? And more importantly perhaps for some, not filing a flight plan for everyone onboard, the responsibility of the pilot once again, will effect insurance claims for the victims families. However good a pilot he was, is not even in question at this time. But all said and done I dont think they should blame him at this time, they need to focus on the investigation and find out what caused it, water in the fuel tank/overloaded plane, etc. then go from there.

Posted By: tameka hanna On: 10/5/2010

Title: NLH

so proud of your tail name,so happy to be just you, so professional and nice in your character...boy if i only knew that the last time we shared words it would be this. at least i offered you GLass of water ..to corrine and cornell and the other kids, family and friends my cousin cpt. Nelson Hanna will be missed by all who he encoutered you could not ask for another well mannerd gentleman....that's what he was. I will miss you and your unassuming phone calls because i was always there as i knew you would be in the gape for me. Thanks for the knowledge.

Posted By: Sad Gone Mad On: 10/5/2010

Title: Blatant Misinformation and Unprofessionalism

My heart goes out to the families that morn tonight, and know that an entire nation morns with you. Its amazing that the first emotion that came through the numbness today was unrepentant anger at Inspector Delvin Major of the Bahamian Civil Aviation Authority who has got to be the most inane, uncouth, uncivilized, unqualified, pretentious JACKASS to ever hold his position.
Lets clear up a few things
A) Nelson Hanna was a LISCENCED COMMERCIAL PILOT with a spotless record.
B) Mr. Devlin Major deserves the most severe reprimand available for his tactless, statements today that at the VERY LEAST amount to an unintelligent breach of protocol in the descemination of misguided and wholely in appropriate unformation today.
It was a blatant character assassination of a man who's body was not even cold yet and Mr. Major has alot to answer for.
I'm a CIVILIAN and even I know that you do not comment on an ongoing governmental investigation. You DO NOT desparage the character of an individual who's family is shocked and grieving. ESPECIALLY when the incident is barely HOURS old and NO ONE knows what actually took place. I'm sorry, but the Bahamian public should be calling for his resignation. It is the most reprehensible act of unprofessionalism that I have EVER born witness to!!!!!!! At the end of the day.....his head is going to be served to Nelson Hanna's family on a silver platter!

Posted By: Americano On: 10/5/2010

Title: Need to point fingers

My sincere condolences goes out to the family and friends and of victims, but fingers need to be pointed.
402B (N8097W) aug 2001
Cessna 402 crash aug 2003
Cessna 402 oct 2010
Do you see a problem? Accidents like these can be avoided, so please point fingers before more people die.
These planes are getting old and most people have no clue as to the conditions they operate under. Very young low paid pilots . The aircraft mostly built in the 60's and 70's. Flying in a very corrosive salt water environment. Unless you are a multi engine rated pilot and and licensed mechanic, spare us the speculation.

Posted By: Thomas Hall On: 10/5/2010

Title: Gone 2 soon

Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to all of the families involved in this tragic accident. Let us remember that there is no pain Jesus can't feel, there is no sorrow he cannot heal, all things work according to the master's holy will, the battle is not ours, it's the Lord's. I have known Nelson Hanna for many years. He has always been very professional. We (the island of Eleuthera) have lost one of us. One cannot count the many emergency flights that Nelson has done to the island of Eleuthera. Nelson was a person who cared more about saving a life than making money. He was a pilot who could be called 2 a.m, 3 a.m, or anytime as a matter of fact. He was always willing to leave his warm bed to save a life. He will be greatly missed as will be all of the other men onboard. May their souls rest in peace.

Posted By: CLYDE CORNISH On: 10/5/2010

Title: Gone too soon

My condolences goes out to all the bereave families especially nelson whom i've known for sometime now and have the most confidence in that he was capable of making that and many more trips like that one to any island of the bahamas,however am disappointed in mr. major's report it is absolutely clear that someone is sleeping on the job WAKE UP BE PROACTIVE NOT REACTIVE R.I.P NAT&NELSON.;

Posted By: denise On: 10/5/2010

Title: Don't Point Fingers

Ya'll Bahamians kill me. Families lost Husbands, Fathers, Sons, Uncles, Cousins and Best Friends. Stop pointing fingers and get on your knees and pray for those families!! You try explaining to a young child why thier father will not see them graduate high school, graduate college, get thier first job, get married and have thier own child...RIP to all the men that were on board the plane especially my friend NAT!!

Posted By: Philip On: 10/5/2010

Title: LICENSING

My condolences to all who lost somebody in this tragic accident. It seems to be that there is a misunderstanding, being licensed and rated to fly a particular aircraft is different from having an AIR CHARTER LICENCE, this is not given to an individual , but to a company, it does not have any bearing on flying skills. It can be a 135/ 121 certificate , but it gives you the right to carry paying passengers.

Posted By: Concerned Bahamian Citizen On: 10/5/2010

Title: Deadly Crash

My deepest condolences to the entire families of the passengers and Captain Hanna that lost their lives. There seem to be many comments regarding the crash. However, this is an unfortunate crash but we must face reality. Aviation in the Bahamas is under the microscope. To the Flight Standards Inspectorate (FSI) please prioritize safety and adhere to the regulations. Remember we were once under Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) and now local citizens have been given a chance to prove themselves. This is a prime example of who is doing what is required? Pointing fingers doesn`t mend situations of this magnitude. FSI officials you should not have to wait for an incident than try and prove a case. The response by Delvin Major demonstrate a lack on something... Please get it right, there is alot of issues that need to be addressed within the aviation industry in the Bahamas. Check the safety record of the Bahamas over the years. Guys you are under the microscope. Please do not jeopardise safety, do your job not pass blame. It is a sad day in this nation and many families affected. May their souls rest in peace!

Posted By: JJ On: 10/5/2010

Title: Only a matter of time

It's funny how things happen, and they turn out for the worst. This gentleman has been flying all these years, without a license to fly private airlines and finally a tragedy. People become to relax and let things go on for too long.If you don't like what I am saying that's really to bad.This country is too slack. I'm still recovering from the chalks incident. With all that said, i hope their souls respect in peace and let this be a lesson on what this country needs to do. A pilot is responsible for the lives of the people on those planes, but the mighty dollar is more important to alot of these companies.

Posted By: beige On: 10/5/2010

Title: far but near in thoughts

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to all of the families who lost their loved one today. I would like Nelson's family to know that he is loved and well thought of by many. He was a good soul and was always giving or doing something kind for someone. I am far but I have not forgotten him! He was doing what he loved and he died doing it. How sad to of lost so many.............pray for the families......nurse in chicago.

Posted By: Briland Gal On: 10/5/2010

Title: Here's My View

My heart goes out to all the families that lost love ones.. I personally knew Nelson he died doing what he loved most ... flying.. May their souls rest in peace

Posted By: Voinett Missick-Flynn On: 10/5/2010

Title: condolences

Condolences Goes out to the Family's from the Missick's and gardiner's family's in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Posted By: Ex-charter pilot On: 10/5/2010

Title: Sad Day

As an ex-charter pilot, been out of the biz now for about 15 years, it was a never ending battle with CAA to enforce the rule of law at the airport and levy penalties on the so called 'hackers'. I guess some things never change.
Now, before people go ballistic here, I totally respect Mr. Hanna, I have friends that knew him and can attest to his aviation prowess and expertise. No matter which way you slice it, license or no license it is a pure tragedy.
I just find it annoying that I know that amount of back breaking hard work, paperwork, and interaction it takes to not only deal with the US FAA but even more so the Bahamas CAA to meet all these requirements, it takes serious money, persistence, PATIENCE, as do most things with government. Does that make a qualified charter operation any better or safer, not really. It comes down to the personal merit of the pilot flying the plane and the organization that maintains it.
The only downside is, that once news gets back to the insurers about the aircraft being used in a charter operation by someone not qualified, they will deny any claims or liability...and that is the catch. Bahamians have this inbred mindset that we can do thing not legal and get away with them cheaper, faster, easier...but when a tragedy of this magnitude strikes, who is going to finally be held 100% liable, the dead pilot.
There are LOTS of issues at play here, my heart goes out to the family and friends of all the souls lost on that plane. But where do we go next. Do we clamp down on the hackers, making the easy buck, who may fly as well as the next guy, or do we force the local population on some qualified operations that sit behind all the paperwork and certificates but are just as dangerous or more dangerous than the next guy in the air. It really is a tough call and I don't envy anyone who has to lay down the law in this respect. Having done it the proper way, I know the headaches involved to do it right.
RIP

Posted By: Jan On: 10/5/2010

Title: R.I.P

My condolences to the families that has lost a loved one. Once again someone in authority has not done their job. It is so sad to see that so many lives has been lost because Bahamian Civil Aviation Authority did not take the time to see if the pilot was qualified to operate that particular aircraft.

Posted By: M.Rae On: 10/5/2010

Title: Sad Day

I am saddened by what happened today. May GOD be with the family of the victims, and my their souls be at rest. I must say that I found the comment from Mr. Major regarding the status of Mr. Hanna un-necessary, especially at this time. The fact of the matter is, he had a commercial pilot's license, and was able to fly with his status, without any reprimand, whether he chartered planes or not. In my opion, I would prefer to fly with someone who had more training with commercial aircrafts. Nevertheless, now is not the time to cast judgment, or to somewhat insinuate (though this may have not been Mr. Major's intention), that Mr. Hanna was at fault here. We need to come together as a nation, as small as our island is, and pray for these families, and stop the "tongue wagging," and foolish stories which are now spreading. Think of your family, and hug them tonight, and as often as you can, and tell them how much you love them.

Posted By: Brent Burrows - General Manager CBS BAHAMAS On: 10/5/2010

Title: CBS Bahamas

Our condolences to all family members and friends, but especially to our colleague Nickie who lost her loving and faithful husband Nat. We feel your grief and are praying for you, the kids and the rest of your family. May his soul rest in peace.

Posted By: ARTHURNELL .V. HIGGS On: 10/5/2010

Title: R.I.P

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES THAT LOST A LOVED ONE. MAY THEIR SOULS R.I.P.....MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO BISHOP CLARENCE & SIS. B. WILLIAMS.

Posted By: Dominique E. Bethel On: 10/5/2010

Title: A terrible tragedy

My condolences goes out to the families of the persons who lost their lives today.

Posted By: .... On: 10/5/2010

Title: sad news

My condolence to the family of all the men killed.
@ Pissed off Family Member - the pilot did not have a license and should not have been flying, then the accident would not have happened.

Posted By: KANELL GARDINER On: 10/5/2010

Title: SADDEN

MY CONDOLENCES GOES OUT THE FAMILIES OF THE 8 MEN I DO PRAY GOD'S STRENGTH FOR YOU IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW. NEVER GIVE UP AND CONTINUE TO STAY IN PRAYER THIS BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD

Posted By: BIM-C On: 10/5/2010

Title: plane crash

here we go again in that same familiar place. my heart goes out to the families of those who perished on that plane. Let us cry out to God who does all things well.

Posted By: God bless the Bahamas On: 10/5/2010

Title: Saddened

May God bless the families of these people.

Posted By: Yvonne On: 10/5/2010

Title: It hurts like hell

My condolence to the family of these men, a few of who I knew, may God keep them safe in His arms during these terrifying and unexpected loss, it is hard to take in or to understand, but we have to be strong for those who are left behind. Some good audio technicians went down in that flight. R.I.P fellas we are shedding our tears.

Posted By: Bahamian On: 10/5/2010

Title: RIP

Condolences to the families and friends of hose who lost their lives in this tragic incident, and to all Bahamians and residents of this great country who mourn the passing of our brothers.

Posted By: TeTe On: 10/5/2010

Title: Inspector Delvin Major

Its obvious that Inspector Major is not doing his job...I believe this is the third plane crash in a matter of months and he always seems to mention that the pilots did not have certain certification to be operating on certain flights. Why is that? What kind of inspector is he? He should be on the top of these things. In the United States, Aviation is one of the safest ways to travel due to standardization and certification. Now im not saying that this plane crash would not have happened if the pilot did have the right certification but it would ease the minds of people reading this and wondering what is the Bahamian Civil Aviation Authority doing. Therefore, Insepctor Delvin Major I think you need to do your job!

Posted By: Grouper Mouth Wisdom On: 10/5/2010

Title:

The Tribune is on the job. Our prayers are with their families.

Posted By: Pissed off Family Member On: 10/5/2010

Title: LIVES LOST

Having personally lost several friends who were like family on that plane, I think you guys for now should really stick to the loss and not be looking to point blame.
These men were SONS HUSBANDS FATHERS BROTHERS UNCLES AND BEST FRIENDS.... FOCUS ON THAT FIRST PLEASE!
The license aspect of it all is really not relevant at all right and by stating that it looks as though the blame is being pointed at Nelson and we haven't gotten over the shock of his loss.
As a side note a commercial plane is way more difficult to fly than a charter plane so Nelson was more than qualified to make this trip that he has taken dozens, if not hundreds of times.

Posted By: Mr I On: 10/5/2010

Title: at last

Finally, a reputable news source with details of this terrible tragedy.

Posted By: L.M.B On: 10/5/2010

Title: Plane Crash

My condolences goes out to the family of the person that lost their lives in this incident.