By my humble calculations if the guy had done a tour on bombers in 1945 at age 20, he could still be flying with TAA in 89, if the retirement age was 65?
TG, did you finish on the DC-9 or B727?
TG, did TAA run DC-3 freighters YMML direct Brisbane?
Remember a guy Tony Wilson ex TAA running CRM course around Melbourne in the 90's, telling us about first flight as a new captain on a DC-9 out of Melbourne and on depatrure having a tyre delaminate, then holding out over the bay to burn fuel prior to returning, a quick tyre change and then departing for his maiden flight as a captain.
His other good story was the departure out of Hobart in the B727 to go to NZ, when TAA and Ansett both run to NZ in the 80's. On departure the F/E could not get the tail skid to retract and as they climbed up they picked up ice on the skid which caues a vibration and some limitation speed wise meant had to cruise at a lower speed and level, meant they might not have the fuel requirements to go to NZ. The F/E however was more concerned about another problem if they had to return to Hobart, what happens with all the duty free stuff that he had purchased for his wife, kids and neighbour. The flight proceeded to NZ and the duty free was safe!