NTSB: Pilot in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash may have been disoriented in fog.

KTLA NEWS ^ | June 17, 2020 | AP

[KevinB]

... but I’ll bet Kobe Bryant INSISTED (or talked the pilot into) that they make the flight because I”M “Kobe Bryant”. And the pilot, influenced by Kobe Bryant’s superstardom and celebrity, wanted to “please” him.

From the article:

"About 45 minutes before takeoff, Zobayan had texted a group of people overseeing the flight that the weather was looking “OK.” Richard Webb, owner of OC Helicopters, which coordinated the flight, agreed."

So it sounds like Kobe didn't need to have that conversation with the pilot because the pilot (and his boss) thought weather was okay.

[Gay State Conservative]

I shed no tears for rapists who die violently.

[DeplorableGirl]

But great alcoholics & drug addictions

[VideoDoctor]

Yep, it's the pilot's job is to make the go, no-go call.

Unfortunately, if the client is high profile enough, and you REFUSE him, you may permanently, depending on circumstances, LOSE him as a client.

My point: It's hard to say "NO" to the man paying the bill, especially if he thinks he's "right" and even becomes demanding in a particular situation.

[SanchoP]

That was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. After a lifetime of trusting your "seat of the pants" and inner ear balance to suddenly, forceably IGNORE them both and TRUST your flight instruments was almost agony. That is why actual instrument flight requires Training, recent practice and discipline.

My sentiments stated perfectly. Thank you.

[treetopsandroofs]

I wonder if his wife knew he needed to use his feet to fly.

*I* would not get on board a small plane with a pilot with his foot in a cast.

[treetopsandroofs]

NOT too soon.

It wasn’t too soon either while Big Media was fawning over his warm remains, but got nasty here when not fawning with them.