I enjoy your stories, Exsp33, but while we are talking about the air force, can you update me on the number of 60 year (and older) active fighter pilots in RAF?
Not a clue, left the RAF in 1957.
But ...... the very old Captains that I had to fly with when I moved to the airline, were probably only in their mid 40's at that time, but to a 23 yr. old seemed ancient, however they had to retire at 55 regardless of their physical attributes, and of course were usually ex-Bomber pilots and Transport pilots, not fighter pilots, tho' we had some Mossie Pathfinders' too.
Complete with medals.
But ...... it should not be the mere label of a Calendar Age that is the criteria, if a 61 yr old can meet the medical, and other stringent requirements to handle a front line fighter, why not ? tho' I accept that it is extremely unlikely that one would.
You don't post your age, I'm not ashamed of mine, even tho' I would like it to be 30 years less, just guessing but I'll be interested to hear your opinion in 30 years time !
Cheers.