Originally Posted by
AirBear
The pilot was 69, retired SWA. During the intercept which was well after the loss of comms, the F-16 could see him slumped over the controls. The fact he could be seen I believe rules out a rapid-D. If it had been that at FL340 the windshield would be frosted over like Payne Stuarts jet was.
This information certainly will be used as a data point in an argument against raising the age to 67.
Although it could just as easily be used to support the mandate of a First Class medical for Part 91 operations to include more frequent EKGs.
Either way, I’m sure the NTSB will investigate and provide findings that both pro and con arguments will use to spin in order to further a narrative.