Originally Posted by
Pumperpilot
The FAA needs to bump the age up to 68, certify certain AMEs the ability to certify over 65 yo pilots, sort of like a special issuance. Restrict to right seat ops, this will be a great tool for the Professional Pilot and Mentoring programs mandated by the FAA and of course you still must pass your annual company checks. Questioning the cognitive skills of a 68 yo shouldnt be the issue when United almost put a 777 in the drink with a brand new CA and FO. Ill take my chances with the old dude, its getting scary out here with the stories being told about new hires and rapid upgrades.
You do that (take your chances). The cognitive and physical decline is very real. Having flown with and checked many retired airline guys and other 60+ year olds, if I had to estimate, maybe 10% were up to the task. It was clear in their performance. Plus this desire to fly until you die is beyond me. You see it clearly. The people that hold on until they pry the controls off their hands have no life outside aviation. Many made very poor choices, some were unlucky. Very sad and pathetic to see some of these folks who simply can’t let go, basically embarrassing themselves.