iahflyr

I'm a fiscal conservative who has voted Democrat the past 2 presidential elections because I can't stand the Tea Party. Above all, I believe in Capitalism and the fact that wealth shouldn't be shared, but given to those who earn it. I would never support a law that was designed to have wealthier people have to retire from their jobs so that poorer people could be entitled to their share of the wealth.

captjns

Some countries permit over age 65 F/Os now.

labbats

Fly as long as you can hold a 1st class medical, but when you turn 65 you start over at the bottom of the seniority list.

Biggie

I "totally agree" with iahflyer! The tests for Alzheimer's/Dementia/Senility; as performed by our local AMEs, are perfect for protecting the American traveling public. Plus all the other tests they perform; regarding Cardio-vascular disease/obesity/glaucoma/vision tests/etc, are up to date with modern research(I've never flown with a Captain, that has been going to the same AME for thirty years, memorized the eye charts and wears "cheaters" in order to fly at night). Everybody knows, that it is a byproduct of the American Media and Advertising Agencies' goals; that the Elderly are statistically affected by degradation, of their bodily functions. Shoot - look at Arnold Swarchenegger. He's in great shape!

Additionally, it's not the fault of these older pilots; that pay and benefits, have fallen. It was the RJ pilots who negotiated the "B" scale at AA. It's the RJ pilots who continue to fly crappy paying jobs, after they've flown the B777/-400.

If you "all" weren't such mamby-pamby socialists; you'd realize that it's the older flyers that improved air safety in the US and the rest of the world. It was the old guys (i.e. the senior guys!) that demanded and got improved flight time/duty/rest rules; not socialist organizations like ALPA! And that it's the older guys, that will continue to improve pay and benefits throughout the world, by taking low paying B777 captain jobs around the world!

You tell um, iahflyer!

Biggie

P.S. (This does not apply to all the fine leaders and Aviators; that "have" lifted the bar, no matter how old you are!)

Snarge

Fiscal Conservative? hilarious.. when was the last time we saw one of those in office? Meaning... FC is meaningless.... not real....

I believe in capitalism too... I just think the citizenry should control it.... not corporations....

So then you don't believe in Age 60, 65, 70.... etc...

In other words, pull up the ladder I got mine....

FlyerJosh

I personally have no problem with this...

PROVIDED that the first class medical requirements change to require an annual cardiac stress test. A resting EKG is about worthless. Put everybody over the age of 60 or 65 on a treadmill and see how well they do and if any EKG anomalies become apparent. If there are no issues, then I have no problem with them continuing to fly provided that they can continue to pass recurrent training within defined limits both physically and mentally.

Free Flyer

I couldn't agree more! However, put everyone on a treadmill, not just over age 60 pilots.

uaav8r

Hell... if they did that, we'd all move up a thousand numbers.

kingairip

That is the funniest thing I've ever read on APC, if not the Internet. . That is awesome.

rotorhead1026

In fact, I predict the age restriction will eventually go away - replaced with a more stringent medical exam for those over, say, 55. This will happen to appease the general public in the event of a perceived pilot shortage (if that ever happens ) ... but ...

I looked at medical stats a few years back, and was struck by how many were medically forced to retire before 60. I expect the age 65 numbers are even worse, even though the new rule accounted for some (but certainly not all) of the hiring stagnation. Raising the age further might not have that great an effect on the youngsters - most sixtiers aren't going to make it medically.