Originally Posted by heavy.airborne
Are you implying that pilots stop dying as soon as they stop piloting? Then please explain, as it seems that your young superior intellect has an understanding we old farts don't seem to grasp!
Well, in a way, yes, I am. My superior intellect understands that the life or an airline pilot is not real easy on the body, and it doesn't get much easier with age. I can tell you from my own experience that it's markedly harder on me now at 38 than it was when I started airline flying at 31. This job takes a toll on you, whether you admit it or not.
With regards to the particular gentleman that BBK brought up so elegantly, I submit that had he not been out there flying, he would have been far more likely to receive proper medical care that he obviously needed and, therefore, might not have ended up on a gurney in a morgue.
So, while I'm not suggesting retirement will render you immortal, I am saying that one might live a bit longer if he slows down a little, smells the roses and, if necessary, gets proper treatment, preferably close to home. As much as I love this job, it's not worth dying for or dying on.