After a conversation this morning with an accomplished local pilot and multiple aircraft owner, I took to researching the literature on aging pilots.
It was something he mentioned during our discussion about aircraft selection that piqued my interest in the subject. I wasn't offended by the suggestion, just a bit embarrassed at never having the aging issue be a metric in the choice, complexity and performance of one's new aircraft.
Suffice to say, there is a great deal of material out there. One thing they all agree upon is that it is a difficult group to study. (Doh! Attend the weekly Flying Liars Club and you'll find out how difficult a task it is.)
I did find an article that is a bit windy (double entendre intended) but it has a very good reference section in the final pages which lists the article resources and summaries. It makes for some interesting reading.
As pilots, we are ultimately responsible for the fitness to fly decision. Included are a number of practical suggestions for accommodating the effects of aging including decreased cognition and response times.
Also, the article can be viewed as a personal litmus test - how is my hearing? Have I noticed changes in my eyesight? Am I having trouble seeing at night? Am I requesting ATC to repeat things? Do I feel better flying with another pilot to lessen the workload and recognizing my limitations? Am I flying less because of something I've noticed previously while flying?
I've attached the article here but you may wish to do your own research.
1302agingpilotreport.pdf [2.12 MiB]
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