Daughter Defends Pilot Killed in Crash

As the daughter of John Marendi, the helicopter pilot who was killed in the Jan. 14 accident over Cahuenga Pass, I am outraged and frustrated with the comments made by Bob Pettee (“Don’t Clip Wings of Public-Spirited Helicopter Industry,” Valley Commentary, Feb. 26).

Pettee portrays my father as an inexperienced pilot. He was not. Over the years my father had accrued approximately 1,200 hours of helicopter flight time alone. He had substantial hours as pilot in command of a Lear jet as well, and he was often requested by clients personally.

Pettee as well as many other pilots in the industry have come to their own conclusions to convict my father. Bob Pettee did not know my father. I find it hard to understand why the president of the Professional Helicopter Pilots Assn. would bad-mouth a fellow pilot who had a horrible accident--an accident whose cause has not been determined by the National Transportation Safety Board.

My father was dedicated to his profession and very cautious about details. I will never believe that he ignored “critical regulations” as Pettee states. He would never have jeopardized the safety of his passengers or himself.

Two people lost their lives and many people’s lives have been changed forever because of this tragedy. I will never see my father again or have the honor of going up in the helicopter or planes with him, only the fond memories. This accident needs to be seen for what it is, an accident. Attacks on my father’s character are uncalled-for and disrespectful, especially at a time when many people are still mourning his passing.

HEIDI MARENDI

Burbank