Originally Posted by
Jetjok
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.
I think this could be a fair compromise that most should be able to agree with. Let's all contact congress and push the rule into reality. Those with the ability to fly past 60 could and attrition rates will remain the same or higher due to pilots medicaling out.
SkyHigh