Thanks for the cross-reference, Rad. I was tempted to reply, but as it's likely that the BALPA viewpoint prevails among our fixed-wing brethren I thought it better to abstain. I sympathise with the Belgian and German contributors - hadn't realised they had gone for retirement at 67 ahead of the UK.
Shy, Handy - regards
Apart from 5 weeks grounding after the sudden onset of rheumatoid arthritis, my version of which thankfully responded extremely quickly to treatment, I've managed to avoid the major medical issues that apparently inevitably accompany the ageing process. So far, al hamdu l'illah...