Thoughts, Tips and How to Deal with Death

[@Starfightingf104]

"We're all in the same game, foot launch flying, navigation in three dimensions with no pause button, and we're all subject to the same variables" Lines like this are why you are by far the best instructor in Utah. Also, "LAWGIC" lololol, love ya Chris

[@JK-eh9gq]

Chris and Superfly are the most amazing group of folks. This particular topic is really centric for me personally because this is my particular bugaboo. I am an emotional flyer and all of my flying has been primarily based on the energy I was feeling in the moment. Chris and company are really very supportive and encouraging of this type of attitude… understanding yourself and when you’re prepared to fly or not. Really an amazing group of people who I would argue are among the best the world has to offer in free flight and powered paragliding. My absolute respect and admiration to Superfly and crew.

[@jab0321]

This is wisdom right here. Something that is only gained from decades of experience and being in tune with the surroundings, the situation, and the environment. These are sometimes difficult lessons that aren't always learned in time. I hope more pilots (especially new ones) can watch and really understand these points as they are gold. Thanks for all you do Chris; you are a legend who keeps on giving to the community. Cheers!

[@JulesChavent]

Am I the only one who don't fully agree with all of that ? I feel like puting words on things is actually a good thing, like saying that it is dangerous and that I could die makes me realise and take a moment to think of my choices. About the cliché of the "I fly everyday" pilote. Isn't it just because they spend a lot of time in the air that they have a higher chance of flight incident ? Disclaimer : I'm new to paragliding so I'm not trying to give the truth, just giving my thoughts. Sorry for the average english.

[@vmlinuxz]

You don't need to agree with everything. You do you friend! As with anything that strays into the philosophical it is to make you think not agree. Peace!

[@wanderingjuniper]

I'm with you Jules, I think that he does speak to a lot of personality types in pg but not all.

[@michaelregish5079]

Jules Chavent Jules Chavent I'm with you. My philosophy is almost polar opposite. And I really didn't get the "getting on an airplane" analogy. I also found the comments about "the life is cheap crowd" to be downright offensive. I'm sure he means well, but he's way off base here, IMO.

[@samik83]

Well I can kinda of see this both ways. You can focus on the fact that you can die or you can acknowledge the fact that you could die but you focus on safety. I don't believe keeping death a taboo in this sport. My instructor told all kinds of accident stories in my training. Some of them lived some of them died. It's not meant to scare the students but to teach and to keep them "grounded" (not physically) :)

[@jimcr120]

Sure there might be parts I wouldn't agree with. There are times I say things myself that I don't even agree with. Nevertheless there are some pertinent things that certainly apply. I think Chris' point is that many accidents happen to those who have less regard for risk. He even said it plainly when referring to those who view life as insignificant vs those who see it as precious. Insignificant things are used and discarded. Precious things are guarded. It's a mindset that will determine your pattern of choices.

[@kyleoglee]

Well spoken Chris.

[@carlcolorado3549]

Kyle, you have good energy ;)

[@milesb4231]

Chris, this is powerful and very timely for me. Everything you said applied to my flights today. First, I was scouring videos on deadly PPG mistakes just a few hours before flying...yikes, what was I creating? Answer: A tense flight. Second, I saw someone making a questionable call to fly and it really threw me for a loop. I felt awkward getting involved but the stakes seemed too high not to tactfully speak up. Your points in this video resonated. There are no badges on pilots that say "I have 1,000 hrs flying in these conditions + I'm 100% mentally switched on". Speaking up can help.

[@flyblueskyguy5863]

Agreed. I would also recommend anyone to listen to this video again after some time...just to take note again.

[@collinmc90]

I feel like a lot of this advice is good even for everyday life.

[@armandodibattista971]

Brilliant and wise speech Mr.Chris, thanks for sharing your view

[@QuickSilverShelby]

Hey Chris, I've been thinking about getting back into the game. I've been out of flying since our buddy Chris Muller passed in 2005. The SIV course you taught in 2006 at Mara lake, British Columbia still has a profound effect on me, even 14 years later. Your KZbin video "thoughts, tips and how to deal with death" was introspective, incredibly knowledgeable and elegantly put. Your words and wisdom are incredibly profound. Perhaps our paths will cross again. I believe I will join one of your SIV courses after all the Covid shit has passed. Perhaps in 2021 or 2022. See ya soon. Doug Protz Canmore, Alberta

[@YankeeinSC1]

Great stuff. Fantastic and timely perspectives. I have pointed a few friends here too, as I believe some of them are struggling for the first time to make some sense of their own feelings concerning the events of the summer of 2019. On a side note, I was "misdiagnosed" once in my (pre-para) flying. I had access to a friends Cessna 150, an airplane I had flown and instructed hundreds of hours in. I eventually owned one for a while too. His had just been subjected to an annual inspection which had taken place in my hangar, but he was out of town and couldn't pick the airplane up right away. He told me in the meantime, go ahead and fly it as much as I wanted to. I decided to take my son who was 9 or 10 at the time, for a simple ride on a nice spring day. As we taxied out, a hangar neighbor (a relatively low time general aviation pilot) came literally running out of his hangar, banging on the airplane and begging me to reconsider "what I was about to do". (in retrospect he felt the airplane lacked sufficient performance to carry both my son and I). I assured him I was current, qualified, extremely familiar with the preformance characteristics and limitations of the aircraft. We went flying, had a great flight and came back safe... obviously, but I never could take that fella seriously again. For that reason, I sometimes am reluctant to speak up and "counsel" other pilots, especially proven, experienced and proficient pilots, be it in certified aircraft or a paraglider. The situation you describe seems well oriented to redirecting students, where a defined relationship of instructor and student is established. When it comes to intervening into the potential crises of acquaintances and friends however, where the relationship is not as distinctly defined, makes it more difficult to speak up and say "Hey, why don't you take a break today and come back in a different mind set," Challenge accepted going forward! Thanks again.

[@milesb4231]

It takes balls to say something but it can save a life --- and you may never know the impact. A few years ago, after I had a good set of morning PPG flights, I saw a guy having trouble getting his wing up on a dry lake I frequented. I thought he was just practicing kiting but he seemed intent to fly. He was a seasoned pilot. I asked if he needed help. I mentioned that the thermals were kicking off and that's why the wind was switching so much on him. I also mentioned that the wind was strong just 100 ft up (where I had just flown) and his launch location would get mechanical turbulence. He said he'd flown the conditions before and he had a stable wing. As he warmed up to me, he admitted that he'd just gotten out of 8 months of recovery from breaking his leg and hip in a previous PPG accident on the same dry lake. He had fallen out of the sky at 50ft for unknown reasons. He wanted so badly to fly again and this was his first chance. As we talked, he said he knew me because I had commented on one of his youtube videos by saying "you did everything I would never do on this flight". Well, I was redfaced but I remembered the video --- he had launched illegally, flew over several homes, and gave himself zero outs along a steep, rocky ocean shoreline. Anyway, I finally pointed out that even the ultralights had already stopped flying for the day. In the end, he paused and I helped him pack up so he could try again later in the day. Not 15 minutes later, as I drove away, a big dust devil kicked off 500 ft away. Years later, I'm glad to see the guy made a couple more flying videos.

[@wendyisafarmer]

I stumbled across this video and I have never gone PG in my life. I do fly helicopters, though. I really appreciate the time and energy you took to make this video and appreciate you sharing your perspective with the world. I certainly reframed my risk management mindset after watching.

[@ripmanridin7092]

Thanks ..........alot of what you're saying has been going thru my mind lately. Appreciate what you do!

[@mekkler]

I can see many parallels between this and motorcycle riding. I have thought of the same things and come to the same realizations that you talk about.

[@petern5565]

Thank you Chris this is a super Important video!!!. For me my goal is to PERFECT the BASICS ie understand flight, understand the weather, understand your glider, know the site your launching from AVOID RISK especially at take of and landing and at low altitude. ALWAYS be READY to "WALK AWAY and FLY ANOTHER DAY". example for me if I see a lot of paragliders flying around along with Hang Gliders then for me that's a risky mix because their flying characteristics (ie speed and turning circles etc ) are so different so I will pack up and fly another day or place or do some ground handling or go fishing etc. How about giving us a video on how to keep safe and have fun even if it means packing up and walking away.

[@Starfightingf104]

There is a balance between being bat shit paranoid and completely ignoring potentially fatal consequences. There is a healthy middle ground.

[@Bob_just_Bob]

As a career helicopter pilot and aviation manager with experience designing and dealing with aviation safety programs I appreciate you helping to promote s safety culture in my new sport I’ve only recently taken up. Well spoken and well received. Thanks,

[@LordRapture11]

I was lucky enough to have a first lesson on my birthday in June where a hanglider pilot happened to lose his life 10 mins after I left. My parents of course have been turned off on the idea of flying altogether but not to seem insensitive or anything it just made me want to lean even more because I don’t want to end up in a situation like that. I totally believe everyone manifests their energy and it affects everything and everyone around them. Positive energy, good vibes, and smooth flights is what I’m hunting for! Great video man. 😁

[@David65702]

Wow Chris I've been trying to figure out this spiritual stuff for a few years now and when you started talking I was thinking is he getting a bit spiritual lol. I agree on everything you are saying I have never herd anyone talk about it the way you just did. It really has been a spiritual journey for me, I had a dream about 50 years ago about this and now I have done it, I am very grounded, this will not consume me, I could write paragraphs but I will end it here. Thanks man. Subbed

[@Fedarcyk]

Chris is one of the few trainers that embodies the psychology of flying. We can all learn techniques but there needs to be a proper mindset that he's all about. I came to him a week ago with 130 hours of paramotoring but I knew that this was a different Beast. He assessed my capabilities and within the week had me on 8 great flights for the short time I was in Salt Lake. I think what he's trying to say is that this isn't about just technique or impressing your friends or having the wrong mental mindset. It's strictly about the existential individual pleasure of the joy of flying. He instinctively knew my cautious approach and let me eventually soar with the rest. I cherish the time that we had together. Fly safe...

[@ChrisSantacroce]

That was a good time. Thanks for coming around. Looking forward to next time.

[@577buttfan]

Change your thinking,change your life,always thought that way,its hard but you must practice it. Thanks Chris!!

[@richardpoe1775]

Chris, Well said, I really appreciate your thoughts and insight on this very important topic.

[@thedorsinator]

I don’t fly, but I’m considering it. Came to this from Tucker Gott. Regardless of not being a pilot this made so much sense.

[@fly-guyalberta3605]

Great message....thank you!

[@CGreciful]

Thanks for the commentary. I lost an instructor this summer, and definitely been thinking about this.......

[@JeremyMcMillan]

When making decisions to take a risk, always think of that decision as a less and more risky option. If you decide to take a risk, decide to limit your risk by automatically taking the less risky option the next time you are faced with a risk decision. Doubling or tripling down on a single mistake is how people brew their own perfect storm, and wind up in the tail of improbable reality. This is something I learned sailing, and also from people in financial markets dealing with financial risk.

[@David_Wolfe]

Great message Chris.

[@Line-of-sight-cinema]

Absolutely perfect! This hit home! thank you Chris!! and thank you Tucker Gott for sending me here!

[@davebutcher701]

Very good video . Thank you. We need to be alive to enjoy all the flying. Enjoy and stay safe so you can do it over and over again.

[@NelsonsWings]

Although there are many good and valid ideas in this video, and we sincerely appreciate your intentions Santa, the part about gauging the possibility that an airliner might crash based on the perception of the attitude of the passengers is pure superstition. Unless you are postulating that passengers would try to commit suicide by storming the cockpit en-masse, or ripping open the exit doors, how the passengers feel about their longevity will have zero effect on the outcome of the flight.

[@austinadesso8344]

What if instead of a major airline, they are fellow passengers for a skydive mission of some sort?

[@ChrisSantacroce]

Thanks for the message. I acknowledge and respect your comment. Hoping for clarity and hoping that you might be able to appreciate my perspective I am just commenting on the idea that we all have a "sixth sense." It is probably a bit too "new age" or "touchy feely" for me to be so matter of fact about pilots using this on a daily basis but we certainly try and tap into this subtle realm while we are teaching people and we hope that every pilot can develop this sensitivity in their life.

[@brianbuckner1787]

When you read NTSB accident reports you find there's almost without exception 2 or more things that contribute to making a fatal accident happen. It could be fatigue and weather. It could be cheap materials and poor judgement. It could even be eating the wrong thing before flying and failure to make a flight plan that can accommodate for that.

[@madsloper]

Where can I find the incident reports for paragliding accidents here in the US? Good talk on the really of the sport.

[@joesacher3729]

Do statistics show that the per flying hours injuries and deaths increased in the June-Aug or just the total number increases? It would seem likely that more hours are in the air during these months with vacations, etc.

[@joec2015]

That couldn't have been said any better. Others have their own way of thinking about it, and well that's okay. The end result is the same. I applaud you in that effort. There are deeper reasons why you said it like you did and despite the simpler thinkers who don't understand it on the same psychological level that you do is okay. The point is made. Some just hear and think of the subject differently. Again the end result, the point of the discussion is realized and respected by all.

[@KIKI55cro]

Very professional and good points in this video for all of us not just fliers, tnx Chris!

[@DuttonWebb]

Much wisdom from father Santa. Mad respect.

[@jmsmith38506]

Paragliding is a dream to me , but I have others also Don't want this dream to impact all the others Hold to a course learn good decisions only fly when things are good to fly

[@johnmarkharris]

Gotta be so true... if dying is a possibility in your head, it’s far more likely you’ll give up before it’s truly over. Admitting you’re in a hopeless situation won’t help a miracle happen and will likely make you a self-fulfilling prophet.

[@JTWardle]

Love it!!!! Serious study was put into these thoughts and words! Fearless-truths, spoken from the heart. Bravo!!!

[@Klosetfreak43]

Great info and overall philosophy as always. We appreciate your dedication and insight into the good as well as the bad. Have a good one and I look forward to flying with you again in the future!

[@michaelcordero1111]

Great information Chris, I really appreciate it! Thanks!

[@paraworth]

Well thought out insights into the realities of our game. Thanks 🤩

[@AndyRial]

I needed to hear this wisdom. Thank you Chris. 🦅

[@SpeedyRK]

I'm VERY new to the sport, had to stop a lesson away from getting my PPG 1 license because I moved with the Navy, and especially after the passing of Grant Thompson, have been thinking about whether or not I want to continue moving forward in the sport. This message will save lives, it helped open my eyes a bit more so thank you very much.

[@flyblueskyguy5863]

I am also new to the sport, but definitely one of the best things I have ever done. The sport is really safe if you fly in the best conditions and don't take unnecessary risks - early morning/late afternoon flights with little/no wind. Pick the best flying conditions and stay grounded if you are not happy with the conditions. Speak to educated pilots. Lastly, there is nothing wrong with flying straight, level and/or high. You can still see and feel everything. Cool luck with your decision.

[@jimcr120]

Having been in the Navy I remember something we were taught, ORM, Operational Risk Management. We do risky things. The question is whether it's worth it and whether the risk can be managed. I would say in this sport it can but we need to have the right mindset 1st which it sounds like you do. Now we need to know the risks and how to not make foolish mistakes.

[@Flyswamper]

Thanks for this, and all that you do to help us that are on our learning journey through the sport. I hope someday that our paths willl cross, perhaps with some training someday.

[@DulalAlauddin]

Thank you, this makes me silent, and grounded.

[@larrykorell750]

Appreciate you addressing this issue!

[@Hemersonr]

thanks for sharing, here in Brazil we are just starting spring in september so your video bring a new perception for the upcoming season... very nice info and a very nice mindset...

[@Therealpicodogg]

Phenomenal

[@videopokernetwork6824]

Words to "live" by.

[@maverick5162010]

Super awesome vid. Love your thoughts and suggestions. Just subscribed!!

[@dennygomez]

You bring up an interesting point that you don't explore. Summer fatalities increase, but why? Are there simply more pilots in the sky, and more less-experienced pilots? This would be like car fatalities on Memorial Day weekend. Or are there weather conditions that are present in summer? Why lay low in summer?

[@Mi28N]

Yeah that crossed my mind as well.. From the video I got the impression that you should fly less because there are statistically more accidents in the summer, ergo if you fly less, you have less chance of having one.. But that just seems.. I don't know, you could just stop doing anything on that basis, really. To speculate on the real answer though.. I think there are mainly two things involved: 1) The weather conditions are more.. wild and turbulent I'd say. The Sun is pumping more energy into (a particular piece of) ground in the summer than it is in the spring and fall, so the air is going to do wilder things, it just has more energy and more violent events can occur. 2) When you start flying after winter, you are cautious, because you have maybe not flown for a couple of months, you want to take it easy and safe. But as you fly more and more througout spring and summer, you get more comfortable in the air and you start to be more confident and do more risky stuff, but your skill may not progress as fast as you think. And you are at the peak of that behaviour pattern in late summer, I'd say, because you have all the months to build up confidence (and, admittedly, skill, but that may lag behind confidence). And that behaviour is AFAIK one of the biggest risk factors for accidents..

[@cheyno237]

I'm all for positivity and good energy, but recognising the potential negative consequences of flying make me more careful about choosing where and when I decide to take off.

[@johnhud0079]

Never go below reserve parachute mininum height except for taking off or landing.

[@thundercat_945]

Definately think we should wait until it gets cool & the leaves fall off the trees to fly per the summer statistics & even an incident I witnessed when it was still hot out. Now, if I can follow my own advice...I think Mr. Santacroce has it right, only if I would've not flown or shared this video & heeded his advice earlier, in hindsight, an incident might not have happened...

[@JohnHansknecht]

Very good information. I have contemplated leaving Facebook paramotor pages because it is surrounded in both negativity and also too much hubris. If I were on a motorcycle facebook page, we certainly wouldn't be receiving the reports of every death in the community. It would be too much and people wouldn't want to hear it. And yet, in the paramotor pages, we see multiple posts and speculation about every death. It's getting to be a little too much. On the flip side, if I see something and I want to caution people to think about the consequences, some will agree and others will effectively say "mind your own business". Social media is a beast, and it is nothing like being in the real world, with friends on the field, or alone in the sky.

[@Starfightingf104]

John Hansknecht people want to learn from other people’s mistakes by examining their accidents. Motorcyclists just assume someone ran a red light and there was nothing the rider could do. It is very rare to see a no win situation in paragliding.

[@JohnHansknecht]

@@Starfightingf104 Yes, but when there are 10 separate posts about the same event, it gets old. Facebook users should use the search button more often and we would not have so many repeat postings. We know the causes.. bad decisions or bad hardware or medical condition in flight. The first two are completely preventable.

[@Starfightingf104]

@@JohnHansknecht I completely agree, it is over the top, just playing devil's advocate. I hope you're enjoying your skymax star with the moster 185, excellent frame and motor

[@johndickson1789]

Thanks Chris for your insight

[@GodsItalianStallion]

Where is the best place to find paramotor safety stats?

[@johnnyfawks8233]

Great insight. Thank you!

[@577buttfan]

Chris,did you ever train or fly with Dell just curious?

[@vmlinuxz]

I was looking for this video. I love your outlook Chris. I want to come do an SIV with you. Let me know the when. I need a mentor. My current mentor told me to go to you.

[@palupa0079]

im motorbiker for many years i love to meat bikers talk to them drink with them but when comes to go for ride with them , then i 'm really careful , now im thinking about to get to go to paragliding school so its gonna be probably same , thatnks for great lesson i will stick with it , stay save and enjoy every minute tombs up

[@salbers]

What is your assessment of the safety effects of treating paramotors and their operation as certified AIRCRAFT?

[@carlcolorado3549]

Good talk, well said.

[@rdeclue1]

I did my solo in October of last year, dealt with family issues and lost my mom in April of this year.... I was never in the right state of mind for so long... I've stayed grounded strictly by my own personal beliefs. I haven't been in the right state of mind! And I have kited since then as weather allows..... I was kiting really well, and I still kite well when the time allows.... Just waiting for that feeling that everything is right...

[@BobNL1964]

Hmmm. I don't know. Sounds a little like it was their own fault. But you're speaking from experience I guess. So the advice is: do not think about not flying dangerous, instead think about flying safe. I like the thoughts about the 'life is cheap' crowd and staying attached to your normal life. Flying is not normal, it's just a Passtime.

[@afitlife]

Wise words.

[@natural9743]

Yeah! but it won't happen to me.

[@AlexS-mf2kc]

In some language cultures u even do not say "last flight", our "terminating flight" instead.

[@rickhinman2185]

goood job

[@jean-louiscavallera4733]

Thank you.

[@docdurdin]

Tucker Gott, sent me here.

[@alexm7023]

12:41 this reminds me of mihaly kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGqUZI2hYtSDmM0m21s, is this some sort of stereotype within the flying community?

[@timholloway8821]

Dont fly with a smoker, they dont value their life! Everybody has a vice, smoking and flying safe have nothing to do with it. Also, I am not a smoker I just dont understand this analogy.

[@SuperFlyParaglidingSchool]

Thanks for the message Tim - the meaning behind this ability was lost on many people. If I had it to do over again I would probably leave that part out and substitute some other analogy. At the same time I had a lot of feedback that people totally understood this one. The point is that there are clues that people get off about their risk tolerance and as a person involved in lots of extreme type sports I saw my fair share of people who were generally reckless with all of their affairs. It is fact that the more time you spend with those folks the more you get a warped sense of what’s a good risk and what’s not a good risk. On the other hand - the more time you spend with people who care for themselves and manage risk well - the more that you do the same. Again I appreciate you participating in the discussion.

[@cheyno237]

Smoking is an addiction, much like paragliding.

[@tudoravram2305]

The first part was on point. Nothing new under the Sun tho. BUT I'm sorry dude, the second part was just mambo jumbo, gibberish , magical thinking shit. How can you say: I look at the people and see if they look like the are gonna make it or not. Jeeez dude, don t take yourself too seriously with superstition thinking like that cuz...

[@ChrisSantacroce]

Hi Tudor, thanks for your message. I am 100% guilty of mumbo jumbo and magical thinking. To your good point though, my anecdote about doing a self check while boarding an airplane is a bit over the top. The thing is that I care. I look for ways to help new pilot to turn on their spidey sense. Some people don't have "intuition based go vs. no go decision making" in their bag of tricks. Talking with hundreds of people who have had a bad thing happen, having had a few bad things happen to me/ under my watch, the main common denominator is that there were warning signs, the that pilot wasn't 100% and the intuition said no but they went anyway. What to do with that? I try and inspire new pilots to tune in to the subtleties. That's what this is all about. I know that this doesn't agree with lots of people. Thats ok. I am just doing what I can to personally make a difference. The #'s in our sport are bad. Tons learn but over the years, we lose so many pilots for various reasons. The # of folks still flying 10-20 years later is really low. I am trying to make those #'s better. I want new flying friends that will be there to share the air over the decades. Lots of work to do. Thanks for your comment and for giving us all a chance to air out this subject. I hope to meet you and fly with you one day.

[@tudoravram2305]

@@ChrisSantacroce Thanks for your response. Now, this is altogether another story. Being able to read people who maybe go jumping in the same airplane (so they can put their selves and maybe others at risk), or being able to read the micro-expressions and behavioral subtleties of the pilot or in general for the people in charge of a flight is one thing. And I agree that that kind of intuition can be educated. But to speak about the energy and faces of the passengers of a flight, and from that to infer that maybe it's better not to go on that flight, just seemed a bit over the top and I personally would decoupage any kind of magical thinking, logical fallacies and cognitive biases, especially from these kind of sports.

[@doctormcgoveran2194]

This guy reminds me of the denial of alcoholics and addicts of all sorts. Getting out of bed? how many pilots died getting out of bed? yes he is right when there are more people flying there are more accidents, and if you fly less you will have less accidents. The answer is simple really go to his school learn to fly buy equpiment and tehn don't fly!!LOL

[@YankeeinSC1]

Interesting. I didn't pick up on how you've juxtaposition the two thoughts as you've pointed out. I didn't totally buy the "less flying" as a solution either. Risk is really more about managing it, rather than avoiding it. Chris does a great job of suggesting a mindset that can help manage risk exposure. No doubt, he's also offered plenty of practical risk mitigation techniques through his courses and the training he gives people. The 18th century school of risk management? "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way." John Paul Jones

[@JohnHansknecht]

@@YankeeinSC1 And Chris has personally flown with some that have died, so I suspect he is also describing his own method of coping with loss of a friend.

[@vmlinuxz]

@@JohnHansknecht and survived a spinal injury that could have left him unable to walk the rest of his life! I for one love hearing insights from people with that kind of hindsight. I can take what I need, leave what I don't, and think about what I didnt think about. Enjoying your energy John!

[@jahkristjanfari]

I think you're missing the "spirit" of the talk here, and getting hung up on semantics. Having an incident is a numbers game- the more you fly, the higher the probability is that you'll have one. Even if you gain wisdom and experience over the years as you fly without an incident, your chances of having one do not go down. The only thing you can hope to do is mitigate the risk by training often, fostering positive thoughts, and flying well within your abilities. He's not saying NOT to fly, he's definitely saying fly when/how it's appropriate, and never outside of that window.