Originally posted by BrianH
Just returned from the field today where we had two very close calls. A Laser 200 piloted by a 72 year old with poor vision and Parkinson's slammed in the pit area after the guy lost control of it. The pilot is a great guy, but not very safe.
One hour later a 74 Year old member crashed into the side of our club house after 4 aborted landing attempts with his large biplane. The guy shakes so badly while flying that the stick moves about 1 inch from side to side during normal level flight.
Would it be a good idea to come up with some kind of proficiency training after hitting 65?? Like with drivers licenses? Maybe some kind of test at the beginning of the flying season performed in front of a CD or the club instructor.
Lets have some input.
(And yes, I too have met older guys who flies the pi$$ out of anything, but it's the unsafe ones I'm talking about)
Brian
Sounds like age discrimination to me. What do you suggest is done with the 20-40 year old pilots who do the same thing? Just because someone hits a certain age doesn't mean you can suddenly come down on them for perceived ailments. To do so will only drive these folks from the hobby in embarrassment, and frustration. And, they will take their hobby $'s with them. I like the idea that if someone does something considered unsafe by 2 instructors, they are put back in the beginners program until they prove their abilities. That's fair and gives all parties involved a chance to improve themselves while staying safe. It is also an excellent oppertunity to MAYBE suggest slower flying models that are easy to control.
Just my .02
John