It certainly is! If this was a UK offshore operator, then putting it in writing was a tad silly!! C'mon Sean, spill the beans or at least gis a clue - my money's on Bond!
To my mind, it is short sighted; NS pilots can fly up to age 65 (with the necessary provisos) so at age 50, you can still give them 15 years. Older people are more likely to stay put with one employer than younger people, so the amortisation of training costs works both ways. Besides, it can be offset with a training bond.
It is also true that as one gets older, the coordination is not as sharp and learning new skills and information takes longer. However, this is also to be offset with a greater maturity and stability in personality and circumstances.
Just remember, age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill!!
Cheers
Whirls