Well put, Joe. However, I could name you a few that just couldn't be helped. How about a ride to the bottom (400'+) while attached to a 22 ton A-frame that had just sheared off the deck? I didn't take the ride, but I trained the guy who did. They lived to dive another day, by the way. Probably wouldn't ever ride an ultralight without a parachute, come to think of it--but neither one of the guys gave a second thought to going back underwater in a sub.
Rick,
I suspect this can be attributed to the psychology of (1) a confined space, and (2) the possibility of drowning in same. I find my own lower limit diameter wise,... is a K-350. The thought of squeezing into Sgt Peppers is a bit unnerving.
I don't think the pressure and risk of implosion bothers laymen so much,.... ask most people what one atm of pressure =, and they will likely not know. It's the image of being trapped like a drowned rat that makes people queasy about subs.
The ultra light analogy is a risk where basic physics is in your favor. A feather-light aircraft with an engine out, but still controllable airframe is quite an acceptable risk for a competent airman.
A bungee jumper, on the other hand, relies less on personal ability, but more so on complete faith in the mechanical integrity of the bungee and attachments.
Where PSUBS are concerned, I firmly believe, that if the vessel is sound and maintained so, then the risk is directly proportional to the manner in which it is operated.
Joe
>From: "Rick and Marcia" <
empiricus@telus.net>
>Reply-To:
personal_submersibles@psubs.org
>To: <
personal_submersibles@psubs.org>
>Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Xubmersibles (was: Escape Mockup)
>Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 10:41:45 -0700
>
>Funny how that looks to others . . . I have to agree that love - and art - >is sometimes in the eye of the beholder.
>
>Echoing Patrick's observations, a friend of mine used to be an aerial >photographer and shot from an ultralight. No parachute, no second chance. >He turned into a glider pilot eight times over his career - eight >engine-outs for one reason or another, all of them not his fault (believe >it or not).
>
>He looks at me like I'm out of my mind - thinks just being u/w is >outlandishly dangerous. Hates boats with a passion. Go figure.
>
>A submarine? Are you out of your mind?
>
>Rick L
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Patrick
> To:
personal_submersibles@psubs.org
> Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 9:00 AM
> Subject: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Xubmersibles (was: Escape Mockup)
>
>
> To put it in further perspective;
> There have been many people in my peer group and at work whom
> have bungee jumped, skydived, raced cars, flown small craft, etc.
> whose jaw drops when they find out that yes, I have indeed piloted
> a mini-sub and plan to build one.
>
> -patrick
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: James Kocourek
> To:
personal_submersibles@psubs.org
> Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 6:21 AM
> Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Escape Mockup
>
>
> I could'nt agree with you more Frank. As a former Dirt track racer, >I've known some people who were seriously hurt and one who isn't here >because of their chosen sport - none that I talked to would change if they >could replay, I also am hoping to come out on the top side of this >challenge - but if not - It sure beats watching TV.
>
> Sadly, Most live entire lives and never push the envelope!
>
> Great thoughts - Well said - Frank,
>
> Jim Kocourek
> ----- Original Message -----
> From:
ShellyDalg@aol.com
> To:
personal_submersibles@psubs.org
> Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 12:03 AM
> Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Escape Mockup
>
>
> I'm not all that humble, but I'll tell you what I believe.
> The bulk of the men involved in this adventure have a pretty good >idea of the risk involved.
> Extreme sports, of which this could be described by some outsiders, >is all about pushing the envelope, and sometimes doing what is thought to >be impossible by many.
> Scuba diving, hang gliding, down hill skiing, surfing the big ones >in Hawaii, or any other FUN thing has it's risks. As professionals, any >person capable of building his own sub, knows the need to minimize risks >and plan for all contingencies, but still expect to die if the shit hits >the fan.
> Although I grieve for the men and their families, I still envy them >for their courage and imagination.
> Men are made by their desires, and driven by their dreams.
> The friends who perished were living those dreams, and probably >wouldn't trade their lives for anyone's.
> Let's celebrate their achievements, and remember them as they would >like to be remembered. Hero's of a new dimension for mankind ( the deep sea >) and true explorers laying out a path for the rest of us to follow.
> Thanks, Frank D.
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