The Middle Aged Aviator

[@DanielRamirez-md8yb]

Bill…..oops…I mean Rod……I never thought I’d be watching this kind of presentation. I was a strapping young man when I started to follow you and your teachings now I’m 65 and still instructing. Your presentation was very interesting and informative. I find several of the elements you talk about to be true. My biggest thing is trying to remember names when the person just introduced themselves 5 minutes ago! But I guess I’ll take that vs forgetting to put the gear down! I live by something you taught me years ago……”there are 2 things you need to be thinking about” ……”the next two things”! This has served me well at flying and it works great in daily life. Be well my friend and hopefully I’ll see you at a bingo game near you😂!

[@Flight-Instructor]

Thank you Daniel. I sure do appreciate the very nice comment. Best, Rod

[@gwenfullbrook260]

I always wanted to learn to fly but never did anything about it till I was 63. Still working on my PPL but in the meantime have started a started a flight school with my Cessna 150 and a Redbird TD 2 and a reluctant CFI, started a flying club, and just hosted an Aviation Career Day for High School and Junior High that over 300 kids attended. I was afraid that I was getting too old to start the process but if I hadn't I would not be having the time of my life with my new love, aviation. You are never too old to start living the dream. Gwen Fullbrook

[@anitachristian136]

Thanks for the encouragement Gwen. I'm taking lessons at 60! My husband is my instructor... wish me luck.

[@scottallen6071]

I’m a CFI and one of my students is 69 and the man can fly!! Yes it took some extra time learning the techniques to land but he’s figured it out. All it takes is perseverance and practice!! Blue skies & tailwinds

[@jonharrop9898]

Thank you much. Just starting my airline career at age 45 and I much appreciated this info!

[@Chrismkeough]

Thanks Rod. Most encouraging for someone like myself, working on my PPL at 58. Hopefully I will have a number of years to enjoy the benefits . Cheers, Chris Sydney, Australia

[@gvrose1]

Well thank you so much for this video!! I am a 69 year old and just got my PPL. I have been flying for 2 years under my Ultralight and RPP. Although I am very active I didn't know how long I could be a an active pilot. It gives me comfort to know that there is still some time for me to enjoy the skies. I will be watching for any changes in my abilities. Thanks again..

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

Thanks Rod! I am pilot and 65. Flying a simulator like X-Plane (very realistic Airfoil Labs 172sp, study aircraft with GNS430) helps tremendously, particularly instrument skills, numerous procedures etc. I also fly on Pilotedge, a simulated ATC network, where I can fly SIDS, ILS, file a flight plan, etc. $20 a month. I have no affiliation with aforementioned. I am also taking my Instrument Ground Instructor test this month to help keep "knowledge" skills sharp.

[@billb4245]

Thank you for Identifying this subject. I am a 64-year-old student pilot I have experienced some of the subjects that were mentioned in the Video. However, I feel one of the biggest age-related issues was not even mentioned. It is the exaggerated or age-related apprehension while flying. A cumulative and induced anxiety to which a cognitive impairment occurs. The fear of death, some may call it, Thanatophobia or DEATH ANXIETY induced by, in this case, the fear of forgetting while flying. A resultant preoccupation and low confidence in your abilities. all age related. We know most older folks take less risks in something they are unfamiliar with. I have spoken too three student pilots over the age of 60 that are right now experiencing this, and are struggling with this, it has significantly lengthened their time spent in training. I have mentioned this to a number of older experience pilots and they laugh off or scoff at the subject, of course they all did not go through flight training at 65. Thank you for this topic ROD..

[@paulk.bowden7134]

Rod, I’m just glad you aren’t still sending me weight loss posts. I was overweight when we met years ago at Oshkosh but now I actually weigh less than I did when I was in high school. I enjoyed your forums and have your books. Keep up your good and humorous work. My wife and I have been to Oshkosh 29 years. Unfortunately my wife of over fifty years just passed away this past December. I’m very upset about her passing but know that we will be together again upstairs 🙏. Maybe you and I will meet again at Oshkosh. Be well, Paul

[@Flight-Instructor]

Paul, I'm terribly sorry for your loss...So terribly sad to hear. (And my site was hacked...even I received weight loss posters and I'm trying to gain weight:).

[@cherfieldm]

Thank you for encouraging video sir, It's really important to know I'm 59 yr old and still desiring to be come a pilot.

[@arthouston7361]

What a pleasant surprise to find you still out there and kick'n it! I think we last spoke at the AOPA fly in ..in 2002 if I recall. You have aged well. All the best!

[@dennisharrington6055]

Thanks. Be a while before I see 65 again; still waiting for that wisdom peak. One thing I decided without consulting the academics: the brain, like any other organ or system, will atrophy from dis or under use. So I’m studying daily for the instrument written. I admit apprehension in that I’m near 50 years out of having to take any kind of test. But I’m GONNA GET that rating...

[@billpennock8585]

I love the details and strategies. My 14th birthday I soloed in gliders and flew for a couple of years. Soloed in power at Orange County Airport on my 16th birthday. Life took me in a different direction but now, at 69 I am living in Scottdale and the thermals are just too tempting, so I have been training with a great instructor and plan on my “first” solo on my 70th birthday 56 years after my real first solo. I am thankful I had the 100 hours of glider time when young. My instructor says without that it would have been very hard to learn at 69. Much came back quickly but I have been very carefully watching myself for cognitive issues. Landing on a spot is much harder now. Mom quit flying at around 60 because of the speed of processing. Southern California airspace is so crowded you don’t have a lot of time to solve a traffic problem no matter how good your problem solving. I think the distraction thing might have had something to do with it too. Anyway because of that I’ve been acutely aware that there were strategies i would have to come up with. My instructor says “straight and level at that peak up ahead”. Then pretty soon i am off by 10 degrees. Now i know why that happens. Distraction. I will use your self talk to counter that.

[@Flight-Instructor]

Greetings Bill: Thank you for that comment. Self-talk strategies are extremely helpful for all pilots, young and old. Who was your instructor at Orange County? Best, Rod

[@billpennock8585]

@@Flight-Instructor You don't recognize the name . It was Mom, Tig Pennock.

[@Flight-Instructor]

@@billpennock8585 Oh, that's funny. Of course I recognize the name. I just thought there was no way in the world you could be Tig's son. I was absolutely one of your mom's biggest fans. I just loved that lady. She was "the" best designated examiner I've ever encountered. I was fortunate enough to take my commercial and instrument checkrides with her, too. What fun we had. Well, nice to meet you on this platform. I do miss your mom! Best, Rod

[@billpennock8585]

@@Flight-Instructor I figured it was something like that . As you might expect I miss her terribly and especially now when I could be sharing this next challenge. Sigh. The good news is we only lived 1.5 hours away for the last 6 years an saw her a lot. She thought the world of you too. Thanks for the lessons on line. We have been doing pattern work in the 2-32 the last couple of flights. I could have soloed before this but I really wanted the poetry of the 56 years to the day. Pattern work in the glider is tense for a student but I learn so much each flight. Today I really really got what it meant to be in the approach cone early so the last part of the final was nice and stable. Buckeye has runway lights and Elsinore did not so ground control of the long wing span in a cross wind is crucial.

[@spiro5327]

Extremely interesting information, as i have a bit of a problem with repeat back ATC instructions. Thank you for posting this video.

[@lancomedic]

I'm a student pilot at 64 and I have the same problem. I use a kneeboard and write as they are speaking. I don't write unnecessary info. If I request to taxi for instance I only write the route, ie; A, C hold at 3-1. If the instructions are lengthy I read back what I got and ask them to repeat the rest. That way I am dealing with smaller chunks of info.

[@colinfitzgerald4332]

I am 66 and plan on flying as long as ATC is willing to give me progressive taxi instructions at my home airport or the engine in my Cessna 150 weekends to the point of needing overhaul. Much appreciate this information. I now have the confidence to go the 800 hours to TBO.

[@jonwillis9896]

This is very encouraging. I just turned 61 and am about to start my flight training. I have been studying for a couple of years and have taken several hours of glider training. As of late, I have been concerned about my age and getting into this activity. This is the first video I’ve seen that addresses aging pilots (and students?). Thank you! I am going to look into your courses. And by the way ...I poked myself right in the middle of my forehead. Doh!

[@flyingcaba5874]

Great video Rod, thank you for that. Good to know as an air traffic controller and an aviatior.

[@garob4995]

I'm fixing to turn 54, and hopefully within a couple of months will have my PPL.

[@Flight-Instructor]

So nice!

[@gvrose1]

Robbie, your still very young! I just got my PPL and I am 69!!! What a great time in your life to get a PPL. The world is going to be yours!

[@iamthevanavator281]

And I believe John Glenn flew his Beech Baron into his early 90’s. I routinely see older flight students who INITIALLY struggle with communications in our busy Class C airspace and workload management especially in IFR training--instrument scan, division of attention, etc. especially if on a hiatus from flying for a while. Most are able to perform satisfactorily with sufficient effort and perseverance.

[@Flight-Instructor]

So true. And, as we age, we can choose the degree of demands we place on ourselves by the type of flying we choose to do. Some older folks just fly VFR and completely avoid the IFR world. Some get rid of their faster airplane and purchase a slower one. It's all choice for the most part.

[@iamthevanavator281]

Not true for our class C, we have an air national guard f-16 fighter wing, airlines and a Bombardier maintenance facility and the usual business jet traffic, it can get pretty crazy around here.

[@jjohnston94]

Yes, and the reason he stopped flying was his knees, not his mind. His knees got so bad he couldn't climb onto the wing.

[@BobbyChastain]

So glad I found your KZbin channel! I’ve enjoyed your teaching voice since FSX. You’ve inspired me to at least attempt a start at pilot instruction (finally, at the age of 38). I can’t currently afford to go all the way through though.

[@rdwalker6099]

Consider a Recreational Pilot cert. Often earned in half the time for a PPL. Don't let folks that don't realize you can overcome the 50 nm limitation and others with an instructor endorsement AFTER the checkride!

[@miguelnglopes]

Great advice. To pilots and car drivers also. Been a great fan of Machado TV. Keep sharing flying wisdom!

[@Flight-Instructor]

Thank you, Miguel!

[@Flight-Instructor]

Thank you, Miguel. That's very nice of you to say. I do appreciate it! Best, Rod

[@johnbuhrman9799]

always a pleasure, thank you

[@peterv1806]

Very insightful video Rod. I appreciate understanding the causes of the effects. Thank you!

[@Flight-Instructor]

My pleasure, Peter!

[@bobpegg5963]

Just soloed. 71

[@Mike-01234]

Never thought about getting old until it happend too late to go back and do the things I wanted to do. My advice to younger generations now is don't wait to follow your dreams the only thing in life that you get once is the time god gives you on earth.

[@mrwilliemcallen4111]

true

[@747-pilot]

How absolutely right you are!!

[@billpennock8585]

The fact that for many of us it seems to sneak up is odd isn’t it? I am 69 and my self perception is much younger. But many things, especially the ability to concentrate and not daydream, make me realize i have to work to compensate

[@toddboothbee1361]

Explains why creativity increases with age, which isn't associated with fluid intelligence as one would think, but with making connections between more and more bits of information. This is facilitated through diffuse mode of daydreaming. True, this may not be useful for piloting planes, but good for improving them.

[@martinpauly]

Rod, that was an interesting look at what happens as we age, what we should expect to see and how we can (somewhat) offset the effects - nicely presented and illustrated (I like the animations). We may all think that this won't happen to us, but deep down we know it will - so it's best to understand what we are up against. Thank you for making this video! - Martin

[@robsee336]

Excellent information . And very funny 👍

[@tomdchi12]

Speaking of the University of Illinois... when I was a student there, I lived across the street from the Center for Coordinated Sciences. It was pure luck, as I signed the lease when I was out of town. If I had been unlucky, I'd have rented a place near the Center for Uncoordinated Sciences, where I assume they had disasters and emergencies quite regularly.

[@WinginWolf]

Thank you Rod.

[@Flight-Instructor]

You are most welcome, WinginWolf!

[@Reuben-ny3]

This is timely information. I’m several hours into my IFR training, and am struggling to keep up with the work load, radio calls, and other, for me, high memory work load activities (radio mostly). It’s good to know that nothing is wrong, just that it’s taking a bit longer to form the mental connections.

[@Flight-Instructor]

No, nothing wrong at all (generally speaking). Even really young folks sometimes take a bit longer to learn. It's all about how we adapt mentally to new concepts as well as how good a teacher you have.

[@Flight-Instructor]

PS: Make good use of the four self-talk dialogues I mentioned. I use them on my students all the time. I personally use them and others all the time. And here's something else you can do. Take a look at this video. I also use this self dialogue, too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4PMZ4t-rLRmoqM

[@MsFLYBOY05]

Rod, how are you. Microsoft Flight Simulator is back 2020. Will you be the Instructor once again in Flying Lessons like the old days :) any who glad to see you still teaching.

[@Flight-Instructor]

I believe the folks who purchased FS no longer use those lessons. Best, Rod

[@bluemarshall6180]

I will still fly as long as i LIVE.

[@747-pilot]

The chief flight instructor at the flying school in Rochester, NY, where I got my commercial certificate, was *92* years old!!! And he was SHARP and QUICK as a falling knife, better than some of the younger instructors there, who were more than 60 years younger than him!!! Although he was not my instructor, he was the guy who was able to help me nail the power-off 180s, I was having difficulty with!!!

[@briancavanagh8852]

Now aged 66 i get a little arthritis in my left hip. This causes me to favour that side which in turn twists my shoulders to the right. This twist has caused me to be looking more to the right side during round out and flare. And we all know that that is not where to be looking. I have started a self talk just prior to round out ....SAYING L L L ...... LOOK, LEFT, LONG . It helps.

[@ernaniseddon5384]

Rod I am 72 and I am a private pilot in Brazil I believe I am better prepared for emergencies and other challenges that might come up than many younger pilots. Experience and being less bold makes a safer pilot. unnecessary

[@keithhopkins8593]

Excellent as always!

[@Flight-Instructor]

Thanks, Keith! Appreciate it.

[@rinzler9775]

I have found playing video games helps me keep focus. FPS games, and of course Flight Simulators. For some reason, having a track IR (actually I use opentrack with home built IR clip), it seemed to train my focus, even eyesight, and ramped up my situational awarness which translated to real driving and flying.

[@paulk.bowden7134]

An interesting article but I feel you are not entirely correct in your position on this matter. It may be true for some but not for all. I’m 79 years old and my cognitive abilities have not declined at all. I’m a retired Theoretical Physicist and even though retired I continue to study and understand new Physics developments as well as when I was in College. I feel that I’m just as safe a Pilot as I was when I got my Instrument and Commercial ratings. When I’m in the left seat my entire focus is on flying and the safety of my passengers and others around me. The new glass panels are nice but I learned to fly with steam gages and I know them and the need to cross check them well. My instructors were from the age when it was not unusual for an engine to quit and I was instructed how to handle such emergencies. I was instructed how to handle loosing my ailerons, elevator or rudder and still control the aircraft. I believe I’m a much safer Pilot than those taught just the basics by today’s instructors.

[@Flight-Instructor]

Greetings Paul: Thank you for your input. I'm not sure I said that this applies to "all" or "every" pilot. That would not be a wise thing to say. Certainly there is some generalization here. However, without the ability to generalize there can be no such thing as wisdom.

[@oscarc332]

Are you in Flight simulator 2020 from microsoft ?

[@Flight-Instructor]

Greetings Oscar: Yes, that's me. Best, Rod

[@walterstafford9354]

Any data on cognitive abilities between ages 65 and 85?

[@dfinchermd]

Age 67 and just getting started.

[@orlandospencer]

Rod, HAHAHAH!!! you got me with the DLPC, I was poking my forehead, then you call out "Nah ah ah Don't poke it with you finger either". You caught me! hahahahah!!

[@Flight-Instructor]

I just darn near fell off my chair laughing imagining you poking your DPC and me telling you to stop it. So funny. That's for the comment. Made me laugh, too. Best, Rod

[@orlandospencer]

Rod thank you so much. Keep making great content.

[@autorotate1803]

Can we just talk about how Rod does not age at all?

[@scheusselmensch5713]

NYT crossword, Sudoku, read read read. Of course, do all of this in the cockpit and have your right seater do all the flying because, generally speaking, they bloody need it. In Canada, most of the flight schools are permitted to test their own students. I cannot overstate how dismal a situation this is.

[@DOLRED]

Thanks for this video. I returned to the air in 2017 after a 35 year lapse. The club planes I fly now are similar to the same model years of those flown in the late 1970s. One plane of current use is a 1974 C-172!!! Who is worse, the plane or the pilot?

[@Flight-Instructor]

Neither, necessarily. The airplane's age is not as important as the wear and tear on the airframe. Anything less than 10K hours on an airframe with no corrosion is just fine in my book. Then again, if you're talking about an airplane that has been used extensively for student training or for low level flying, then take a closer look at the airframe.

[@rinzler9775]

One thing proven to help with cognitive decline - exercise, in particular resistance training.

[@aviatorpianokraft]

I think one needs to be objective and question a lot of what psychologists and behavioural cognitive experts tell one. Most of what they say and write about is just their opinions for what they think is going on in the human brain. My advice is to always question and do your own research on a topic and not just accept what so called academics say, no matter how eminently qualified and famous they may be, or because they have written textbooks about their pet subject. Flying an aeroplane is a skill, and has nothing to do with intellect, education or IQ but everything to do with aptitude, common sense and moderate physical ability. Some people, young and old alike, learn tasks quickly and others learn quite slowly, or not at all. It's all part of the human condition.

[@whatwaq]

im a SPL at 16 and i’m scared of getting older 😱

[@oscarc332]

you are in my flight simulator's lessons

[@pilotken8685]

Great video. Might I suggest a better mic. It is picking up your inner mouth sounds too much.

[@sunnyrawal656]

Im scared of aging.....

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

This is such an important and neglected subject (because old men rule the world) that I only recently realized. The world is not getting complicated. I am getting stupid. I just have to deal with it.

[@tsangarisjohn]

Official member of the middle aged aero club. 7 years away from an AARP membership haha. 😒😂

[@Flight-Instructor]

Excellent!

[@geoffreybradford]

So at 58, I am basically screwed but when I hit 65 wisdom will reveal I was just fine 😎

[@mikearakelian6368]

I know, dont take any pax; that way no one will see u fudge anything, or make a bo bo!!! Ha

[@mikearakelian6368]

I'm 74,and doing FIRC one more time...don't like computers; and that's what's hard to deal with.then I have to listen to insults from grand kids; and now they kno I have to know about drones!!! And the say that they want for Xmas ha...I say get a job!!! And no,I won't help you log in....