I’m 64, with a full head of gray hair. I’ve never had a passenger express trepidation about my “advanced” age while boarding the jet. Some of my junior and young FO’s however have been the brunt of some of ignorant comments.
As to age 67, frankly I’m ambivalent. With a year to go and being #1 in my seat it won’t affect me either way. Would I stay if it passed? Every time my alarm goes off at 0400 I’m less inclined to hang around.

 

So you are a neurologist now? Or did you sleep at a Holiday Inn?

I take cogs yearly (have a family history of dementia). My Neurologist has me do them. They are not hard. You don't get a score, the doctor knows the level and relays that to you. I'm consistently highly cognitive. I don't think many of you here understand what "cognitive decline" really is. You certainly haven't spoken with professionals about it, either has the FAA. But then again, the FAA med system is a total joke anyway. We're just now seeing them forced to address pilot mental health in a serious way that doesn't automatically nuke your medical for the duration. Baby steps.

For the older guys, you shouldn't be afraid of the standardized cog tests given to you. They are very very easy and nothing to be afraid of. I'm against age 67. You all know that. However, I think your cognitive decline arguments are not accurate. I could see 67 passing with mandatory cog testing once a year above age 65. I've heard it being discussed. But that's just a talk right now. I don't see age 67 happening anytime soon at the glacial pace the FAA and dot gov moves at.

 

Any LEPFEPAS grifters have an update on their bill in the Senate?

When is the committee hearing scheduled? Any day, I’m sure.

Send money! Keep the faith!

 

lindsay graham needsto pad his golden parachute before he gets voted out this fall…

 

The “cogs” you are taking are not like the FAA’s used for head injuries, stroke, HIMS recovery, and other neurological issues. These require an entire day of various testing which take the pilot to failure in each event - that’s how they know your limit in each category. These are administered, and yes scored, by an FAA designated Psychiatrist/Psychologist. No joke.

 

Extending the retirement age 2 years won’t affect the #1 guy on the seniority list?

 

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Controlling for all other variables, it benefits the top of the seniority list the most. That’s 2 more years at the top spot.
Then again, very few of their arguments make sense.

 

Yup. No joke is right. Had a sim partner who had to take them for reasons. Academy grad with an engineering degree. Bright guy and a good dude. He described them as daunting, thorough and difficult. Scary, due to what was on the line.

 

But hey sometimes he thinks about not going to work while he gets ready to go to work. Maybe he’ll just stick around a few more years while he mulls it over.

 

Disregard last.