Originally Posted by
SkyHigh
If the FAA goes to 65 they should do away with the current medical system. Each guy over 55 should have to go to an FAA hired doctor to get certified. We all know too well who the lenient medical examiners are. I have seen guys fly across country and buy a hotel room in order to get a medical from a good buddy doc.
Skyhigh
I almost agree with you on this, but not quite. Passing an FAA physical should be the requirement, regardless of age. I guarantee you that I'm in not only better, but much better shape than at least 50% of the guys who are 10 years younger than I. The issue should be the physical itself. We all know of these doctors who, for a fee, provide a Class I, II, or III physical, that's not worth the paper it's printed on. This is the part of the system that needs to be tightened up. I'd have no problem with taking extra tests, like EEG's EKG's (every 6 months), and other cognitive tests, blood work, hypertension and high blood pressure stress tests, but I'd like us all to undergo a real physical. Then, those that pass are good to go, and those that don't will have to deal with it. For you younger guys, it seems to me that you'd move up more quickly under a real physical evaluation program, than by attrition from guys "going over the hill" at age 60, or any other age for that matter.