Toppled Gyro,
I'm very sorry to hear this is happening to you, I only want to say that I although I personally don't expect to be flying helicopters for a living at 58, I think one should have the option to do so if you want to.
Experience is much more valuable than quicker reflexes, perfect eyesight or hearing.
I have had the pleasure and good fortune to fly with lots of the older guys and, learning from them has been like going to the "Harvard" of Helicopter Pilot's and getting paid for it.
Lately I have seen that although younger pilots (such as myself) may have things such as quicker reflexes and better eyesight, older pilots know instinctively what to watch out for and when to to be extra cautious, they don't leave anything to chance, I think they are safer.
To me, flying is 25% manipulating the controls and 75% good judgment, decision making, and who else to do this than someone with experience, its dumb to phase out those with experience just because they have reached a certain age.
Last edited by BlenderPilot; 24th Mar 2003 at 23:56.