Originally Posted by EagleDriver

I think they should have allowed 60 - 65 year old pilots assume the new position of cruise pilot in three man cockpits. Since the lawmakers didn't do that maybe they can help out the old guys again and allow them to be cruise pilots after 65. No disrespect intended but I've now flown multiple trips with 60+ Captains and most of them have made simple mistakes that I would not expect from a 500 hour wonder. (Intending to land on the wrong runway, not recognizing or understanding a pressurization problem, not being able to interpret a TCAS RA display correctly, falling stone cold dead snoring asleep,...)

They do however add a tremendous amount of experience to the cockpit that could be a valuable resource during an emergency. Putting them in them jumpseat for T/off and landing is the safest avenue. When things start happening fast, a small mistake can turn grave.

OK, I've got my bulletproof vest on now that this thread has been hijacked. Let me have it with both barrels. I'll read your comments after my next trip.