John Farley. Sorry you don't fly any more. Just to say that you left us with some terrific memories of your flying in your younger days. Many thanks, and much respect.

Old age and flying,,,
 

Well Ladies and Gents,

I am now 71 years old, but feel 50,, maybe not as lithe as I was with but still quite on the ball and love my job. I fly IFR RPT (with a co-pilot), and I feel I am at the top of my game, but I admit my hearing has deteriorated a tad (noise cancelling headsets fix that), and need glasses for short sighted stuff, so not a problem.

It is only a matter of time before I too will succumb to the dreaded forced retirement situation, hopefully not for a few years.

At the moment I am fully aware of my age and watch very carefully for any 'slips' or 'mistakes' that I may make, particularly with my awareness of any deterioration of required skills.

If at all I recognised any deterioration of my performance, OR, my trusted co pilot was to correct me for a stupid mistake that I missed,, that will be the time to go, otherwise we shall keep on flying till either I want to go, or I (or my Co Pilot) recognises any dangerous or adverse symptoms. (as he has been briefed)
As well we have all seen some friends who are much younger look and feel like very old people unable to do menial tasks,,, it makes one feel sad for them.

PS: My Mum is 97 years old, alert, and still mobile, as well as one could be at that age.

(Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill),,, or so they say!!:):)

unfortunately we often don't realise mistakes we make and refuse to believe what our co-fliers observe. We just had a tragic accident at a local airfield with a Katana....Pilot (64) survived but his wife (65)who was flying as a pax died at the scene. We had very hot temps (40°C) which may have been a part of the cause....the official report may be quite interesting. Oh well, that's how it goes....:(

Westwind, When you are aware of the release of the report about the Katana crash, would you please start a thread here for discussion and link it, if there are relevant discussion/learning points....

here is one of the local press items. I'll try to find an English version but I thought perhaps the photo could be interesting.....

Katana accident in Egelsbach

ok, I googled and came upon this report:

English language news....

ok, I googled and came upon this report:

English language news....

oddly pprune won't let it be posted because I wrote this less then 5 minutes after my other comment :suspect: