The question posed in the opening sentence of the editorial (Nov 13) provides a perfect opportunity to repeat the cliché, “You can fool some people all the time, all people some of the time but not all people all the time.”

Apparently our government and its departments believe in only the first part of this hackneyed phrase.

Your query on whether the plane was safe to fly or not, is valid considering almost the daily reports one hears about technical problems with aircraft, malfunctioning hydraulic systems, undercarriages which fail to retract or open.

Also flabby cabin crews and flying crew with bulging waistlines do not inspire much confidence in their fitness levels.

I believe the national airline has a policy of hiring retired pilots on contract to fly old Boeing 747's which have been phased out by most progressive airlines.

On Jan 15, a pilot, known as “Sully” safely guided all 155 passengers and crew aboard US Airways Flight 1549 to an emergency water landing in the city's frigid Hudson River.

“Captain Sullenberger retired shortly afterwards. He did not try to manoeuvre an extension in service and his employers did not offer him a contract.”

A couple of years ago I was stranded inside an aircraft at Lahore airport for almost two hours when just before taxying for take off the Captain discovered that the aircraft tires were under-inflated. There is a famous saying in aviation circles: “Flying on a wing and a prayer”. This is particularly true of our airlines.

HILAL AHMED Karachi