AirlinesPNG - when is old too old!?!
 

APNG has given a Dash cmd to a 77yo FO. Thou a former jet captain in the day, where is the cut off point.

Some people will say " as long as he can pass a medical - there's no safety issue" But it's no secret that in PNG, so long as you can make it up the stairs to the doctors office, you're pretty much assured of being issued a medical.

Is this putting the lives of the public and other crew members at risk and up to what age can a captain operate RPT internationally to Oz and within PNG?

flying the plane probably isn't the issue, it's whether he can keep up with the hosties.

good luck to him,hope he's got three on the run;)

Is this guy ex Lufthansa by any chance?

If it's the guy I'm thinking of then I can safely say that he's forgotten more about aviation than most people here will ever learn.

I don't think anyone is questioning his skill and experience, just if there maybe some safety issues associated with the age.

V Australia has an age limit of 65 for flying, I thought that it was illegal to do that in Australia ?

All @ Beer Monk
I really wonder what the motivation is behind this post?
Either Beer Monk is a disgruntled ex-employee of A/PNG.
Works for the opposition.
Or works for A/PNG and was not awarded the command.
Maybe he is just a TOSSER?
I know this 77 year old pilot quite well, and would call him a friend.
As part of his medical he has to undergo a Stress ECG on a yearly basis. I believe this is a requirment once past 60 (correct me if I am wrong here as I am not past 60 yet).
Chronilogical age has nothing to do with ability, nor safety in this instance. This fella is quite capable and is someone who I personally would aspire to be like at 77, if I get am lucky enough to make that age. I would not hesitate to send my family on a flight with JR. He has excellent mental and physical acuity.
I have flown with 40 year olds, who's physical age would be around 55, and well a heart attack waiting to happen. Also not nearly as clever as him.
He worked for Air Niugini for many years and flew command on 707's.
The Dash 8 is a simple old beast to fly not, terribly challenging and will be a snack for this old timer.
Beer Monk he has forgotten more about aviation and flying in PNG and other parts than you will ever learn.
Now go crawl back under your rock and give him a fair go.
By the way in Australia and PNG there are no maximum age limits on the ATPL licence. I don't know about what various companys policy are but I would think it would be a brave company in Australia that sets an age limit. I was led to believe we have discrimination laws against that sort of thing.
By the way Beer Monk I am under 40 so I don't have a special age motivation in this instance. I just think you have stepped over the line.

Beer Monk
 

This old guy would round you up on a wet and windy night.

VA do have that age limit !

Inandout VA has an age limit just as does QF on international ops. Because of other countries rules. They have only in the last few years allowed people beyond 60. You fly through their airspace you must follow their rules. And their rules QF (and DJ???) have no restriction domestically fly as long as you pass you medical and sims.

Is it Max P .....

how old too old
 

Remember GF was fleet captain on the B1900 until he retired at 73. Curious if any one knows how he is traveling these days.

Where do I apply? The missus would be eternally grateful if I started going to work again.:D

Nothing like a bit of experience! I'm a relatively young chap, and often formation fly with an ex aggie ,(79), and an ex AN skipper,(72). Experience and airmanship will always prevail over all the artificial T&EM, HF and whatever other acronym Canberra can invent.

happy days,

GF was/is a legend "me boy".
Still remember him teaching me how to properly iron a shirt at 2 mile. It showed it did'nt matter if he was flying a B747 around the world or a B1900 to some **** hole, this guys personal standard was always high and rubbed off on others. His mature outlook served him well.
Hope he is still in good health.
FFRATS

Mere bunk..........

Small but important technical correction needed for your post:

You would have appeared better informed if you'd written that a 77yo has earned a Dash-8 command at APNG.

No-one who knows JR doubts his skills and abilities, and I'm really not too sure what safety issues are implied. :confused:

Anyway, well done JR! I hope that I'll be as fit and capable as you when I reach 77, and that's still a few years off! :8

LOL, fire wall. Pants not that old is he? :hmm:

As long as the zimmer frame fits through the cockpit door, shouldn't be a problem.

Does the guide dog sit on the jump seat?

"You would have appeared better informed if you'd written that a 77yo has earned a Dash-8 command at APNG".

Too true SUIYA, you've hit the nail on the head. If Beer Monk thinks commands in any airline are "given away" then i'd suggest he'll be waiting a fair while for his. Gen Y I suspect.

By the way Beer Monk, starting a new identity to publicly crap on an experienced and highly regarded collegue is a cool move. Nice one.

Beer Monk.
 

Beer - Monk, I hope that you are with APNG as it sounds to me like you need a few oldies like JR to kick your butt now and again to keep you in line.

JR started flying up there way back when and was a highly respected checkie in my day and most certainly would have earned the priviledge of his Dash 8 command the same as any other F/O has.

Being a few years younger than JR but not in the flying 'role' I certainly enjoy the return to aviation, the challenges and the ability to impart a few well-earned pointers to the younger jet-set and would like to be still doing so in a few more years

Keep up the good work JR an example to all, and remember, "tie 'em down you Maori warrior!"

Looie.:ok:

Tinpis, not in my eyes mate but yes he has seen a few sunrises.