SMAC357 The Aging Pilot

Today we will discuss aging challenges and provide tools to continue flying as you, your friends, or learners approach and navigate the golden years.

There is no mandatory retirement age for General Aviation (GA) pilots flying non-commercial aircraft in the U.S. While airline pilots face a strict mandatory retirement age of 65, GA pilots simply need to hold a valid medical certificate and maintain proficiency to continue flying.

Medical Considerations: FAA Medical/Basic Med/Transition to Sport Pilot?

Insurance Considerations

Adjusting to the Aging Process (short summary of AOPA’s Aging & the GA Pilot course)
Vision
· Yearly eye exam
· Low-level white light vs red at night
· Haze-cutting prescription sunglasses
· ADSB-in for situational awareness
Hearing
· Noise cancelling headset, hearing aids?
· “Say again”
· LiveATC.net, scripts, role-playing
Endurance
· Regular physicals, lab work, check meds
· Regular exercise and mobility exercises
· Time of day: mornings/late afternoons for smoother air, avoid after lunch
· Eating/drinking: Coffee, hydration, snacks, shorter legs
· Lack of rest = Early onset fatigue
Memory
· Use a notepad/pen especially when talking to ATC
· Mornings are generally best
· Consider flying with friends
Decision Making
· Thorough preflight, think about different scenarios and contingency plans
· Always know where you are at
· Always have a Plan B

Studies show that experience plays a huge role in offsetting cognitive decline in older pilots.
Fly regularly & actively
Adjusting personal minimums as needed
Go above & beyond with recurrent training (yearly flight review and IPC, WINGS, seek out a new rating)
Regularly & honestly assess your skills beyond stick & rudder (memory, information processing, decision making, task saturation)

When should the aging pilot slow down, or call it quits?

How to keep flying even when you must call it quits?
Find a friend to fly with.
Training for another rating to keep sharp even if you can’t use the rating.
Find an instructor who needs to build hours and take them on a cross country flight and buy them lunch.

After Landing Checklist:

Pick Of The Week:

Leslie – AOPA Rusty Pilots Program: In-person seminars, webinars, and online course
https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/lapsed-pilots/rusty-pilots

Carl –
https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/safety-spotlights/aging-gracefully

Alex – The MOSAIC Rule in plain English
Mad Props Aero

https://youtu.be/cfRy6VRcr6w?si=czthhgO06Scu0HsL

Russ – A Higher Call by Adam Makos: https://www.amazon.com/Higher-Call-Incredible-Chivalry-War-Torn-ebook/dp/B0095ZQ36G/

Links

https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/MOSAIC

https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/fact_sheets/MOSAIC_Fact_Sheet.pdf
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/

Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships.

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

https://FlySnf.org 2027 – April 6-11

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