When an answer puts "I'm a pilot" as their source, can we believe them? Do you trust that?

Answer 1

I can usually spot a phoney, MM. After they answer a couple of times, it becomes clear. I'm most pleased to say on this aircraft section, I have spotted very few, and they don't stay around long. I'm sure it's the same for you in your profession. There are quite a few pilots that answer here, and I enjoy reading their comments. I've noticed, too, that if the question is beyond their particular scope of knowledge, they don't try to make something up. True pilots.

Answer 2

I have discussed some of the answers on here with a flight instructor, he's also an engineer and very intelligent, but his flying experience is limited to normal operations, so his knowledge of aviation is similar to the average car driver's knowledge of cars.

That's a no. Being able to fly doesn't automatically earn every pilot 'expert' grade.

However, some of the pilots on here are obviously absolutely first rate. I agree with others that it's obvious when someone is talking about something they know well.

Answer 3

Pilots can be wrong, engineers can be wrong. But from the language and style, we get a general impression on how knowledgeable a person is. My opinion is that a true professional would have a typed answer most of the times and put in the right sense.

No matter what, the answers needs to be taken just as pointers and it wont hurt to triple check. Even a professional in the best interests might be wrong.

Answer 4

I agree with Ray K... The ones that are not real pilots are easy to spot, like a fundamental error in information but there are many good pilots on here... its an honest profession and anyone who lies about being a pilot is doing a diservice to all pilots everywhere...

Answer 5

I think people here are honest for the most part. From what i've seen, the one's that try to play something they're not tend to stick out like a turd in a punch bowl. It seems you can get good info here, but don't take what someone says over what may be in the book. And me, as a mechanic, the book (maintenance manual) tells all. 20 people can tell you how to change a brake on a CRJ and bleed it, but only the book can tell you the right way for sure.

Answer 6

As much as people like to play make believe on the Internet, I believe that on boards like Answers.yahoo. People are generally honest with who they are and what they do. now I'm not saying all of them are but for the most part they are who they say they are. If the answer makes sense and they seem to know what they are talking about why not take the advise. I do the very best I can to answer the questions honestly on here. If I don't know the answer I don't answer the question.

Answer 7

As much as you can trust anyone on the internet. Lots of people are pilots.

Answer 8

theres 609,737 pilots in the united states.

in alaska 1 out of every 78 residents has some form of pilots license.
(December 31 1995)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aviator

I would give the person the benefit of the doubt. of course, i wouldnt just take one source of what they say, always try to confirm it by using google.

Answer 9

in the rules section, it states that u can not impersonate. but then again this is the internet. i'm sure there are a lot of people are giving answers that are true to their own experience but if it depends on u'r life like flying a plane, i wouldn't bank on it.
i would do real research and get real answers that u know are true.

Answer 10

Take everything with a grain of salt. Anyone can claim to be a pilot, but obviously there's no way to prove or disprove it.