Air traffic controllers have mandatory retirement at age 56.

Their role doesn’t include physiological effects like pressurization changes, turbulence, time changes and seasonal fluctuations across time zones and latitudes.

In addition, controllers have a unique ability to call for help, D-Side, reduce capacity to meet capability and step aside from the stress when deemed necessary. If you don’t believe me, just look at the fluctuating AAR or MinInTrail, AFP or eventual GDP during stressful times.

A pilot with command authority over the paying general public at an advanced age has a more stressful job than a controller and is allowed to exercise his certificate nine years beyond 56. Yes controllers take medical exams as well. No, controllers do not have the aggregate stress of managing direct reports like FO or FA’s. No the controller doesn’t have a time table to meet profitability and drives home daily.

Leaning on the copilot? How else could you explain this. And yes that aircraft requires two able people not one. Both Left end Right seat must be capable of minimum standards at all times. (Careful what you wish for).

Sure the lost decade needs their $cut and the guys with 3 wife’s need alimony money —-I get it.

But no one can justify a captain has the same cognition or response time at 65 than he/she did at 45 during a red-eye end to a four day while hand flying an ILS because of an MEL.

Say you want the money and let the doctors decide on your cognition and minimum qualification for safety——-but don’t say it’s in the interest of safety.


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