Should This Pilot Lose His License?

If you worked for the FAA would you let this person keep flying after you listened to the tapes?
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[@GKsGS400]

I just looked up this pilot. He's 88 years old. maybe time to take grandpa's keys

[@aviationmotivation4957]

I agree I’ve seen really old people driving, like 90 years old and I ask myself “whyyyy” I can’t imagine someone that old flying.

[@HelenaMikas]

@@aviationmotivation4957 having listen and watched now you can imagine .Too awful to consider .No longer fit to fly . He is a danger and full of himself .

[@cassandratq9301]

88???

[@jbeutell]

Thanks for checking. I'm sure lots of us were wondering. I'm not a pilot. I'm curious in an area this busy how likely it would be for ATC to recognize tail number/pilot.

[@rebelduck9077]

Oh wow, he probably still drives too and has caused many accidents. This is a sad transition in life, especially for men. A doctor and his family needs to intervene immediately to keep others safe

[@mark58TC]

I'm 72 year old "Medically retired" Commercial Pilot. I had to face the facts that due to cancer and all the chemo and radiation my mental skills were diminished. I even passed a FAA demonstrated flt examination however after some sole searching I had to admit that I would be a danger to myself and others. Hardest decision ever made, If he does not voluntarily turn in his license - they will take it. Thanks God ATC and the other pilots in the area recognized his issues. Great Commentary!

[@10thletter40]

That's such a selfless move on your part! Appreciate it

[@gregwochlik9233]

A medical ailment also pushed me to stop persuing flight, at the time I was 30. I probably have a pinched nerve in my buttocks which makes being strapped to a seat for more than 1.5 hours quite painful. In the air, you can't pull over to stretch your legs. I stopped training at 80 hours (without getting my PPL)

[@paulazemeckis7835]

Pilots are heroes to me. I can only imagine having to leave a long commercial flying career. Thank you for taking such good care of you crew and passengers and any live cargo.

[@ldv5831]

…and that makes you a true professional sir. Hope you get well soon ‘ God bless you

[@secondskins-nl]

That must be very hard indeed. It's a bit the same with driving a car when people better should give up their license. My parents and their friends are around mid 70s and nobody wants to lose their mobility. I always think it's great if they acknowledge it's better not to drive anymore but I can imagine it's not easy. My mother drives well but I do encourage her to also keep driving even longer distances just to be comfortable with the always busier getting roads.

[@n_tas]

Can't hold a heading, can't hold an altitude, can't hold the brakes but CAN hold the PTT button

[@dancarter482]

_First Rule of Flight - KEY the MIKE!_ ~ Communicate, communicate - hesitate, communicate.

[@MrSprinkles1F369]

Probably can't even hold his bladder anymore.

[@TTaylor]

😂😂😂😂

[@anatolydyatlov963]

@@MrSprinkles1F369 That's why he's flying - making rain with his catheter hanging outside of the window

[@texasray5237]

_"Can't sing, can't act, can dance a little."_ (talent scout describing Fred Astaire)

[@petermendoza1170]

You're being too polite. Next time he wants to fly,he needs to buy an airline ticket.

[@misterhenchmen]

I would even be nervous being on a passenger flight with this dude as a fellow passenger!! he probably can't listen to the flight crew either & he'd probably find a way to make that flight a disaster too!! yikes.

[@LastAvailableAlias]

I wouldn't trust him in a coach seat

[@misterhenchmen]

@@LastAvailableAlias sadly...same

[@amorl4520]

Exactly

[@LonpoolFC]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@chrisknoernschild5908]

Every now and then Kelsey gets kidnapped and forced to talk about an aviation related clip in an abandoned warehouse somewhere

[@maxharasen6548]

I can hear the echo my gosh I think you're right

[@Catpanl]

lol. Even the reverb is there

[@Ru5tbeard]

Just imagine how bad his hotel room was that he chose that space to record the video.

[@syberphish]

Kelsey.... blink 3 times if you need help.

[@WitchidWitchid]

I lived in an abandoned factory for 2 years. I actually paid rent to stay there. I loved it. So much open space.

[@damienhunt4264]

I think that is the worst airmanship I have ever heard. There is no way he should ever fly again.

[@Trek001]

The worst was Japan in the 40s... Some pilots never made a landing correctly

[@lahodal]

​@@Trek001LOL

[@cigarsgunsanddiesel8032]

@@Trek001 💀💀💀

[@gregwochlik9233]

Agree with you there. The arrogance "I've been doing this for 14 years...". I say 14 years of bad habits.

[@damienhunt4264]

@@gregwochlik9233 Yes, that really struck me as appalling.

[@av_oid]

Dementia? Air traffic control needs to have the pilot forced to have an updated medical.

[@raquellofstedt9713]

Yeah, this is what I was wondering. The guy sounds completely lost and aghast at himself. Definitely have him checked!!!

[@petrairene]

Yeah. Mental decline due to old age. Doesn't have to be full blown dementia.

[@migga86]

When he went to his last medical, the date was still hammered and chiselled into stone using roman numerals. He might have been a tenant for 14 years, but in how many of these years did he take off and land? It's sad when your health goes that way, but once you're there, it usually doesn't get better. It's just something that awaits all of us at some age.

[@pedrosmith4529]

That was my thought too.

[@Cs13762]

You need to fly the heading we told you!

[@Taladar2003]

This is not a "copy down a phone number" situation, this is a "get that person who is clearly mentally confused physically from the plane and have someone else drive the plane to the parking position" situation.

[@MeMe-gm9di]

In that case, if I were the controller, I'd say something like "the FAA will issue a recommendation or penalties, that's not part of what we as the controllers do. However, personally, my strong recommendation is that you keep your airplane on the ground. There are some serious, serious issues with how you handled everything, and you must not fly in that condition. Let this flight be your last as pilot in command, and count yourself lucky it ended up with you walking away safely."

[@thecommentor1064]

And in reply the 88-year old pilot said "PARK? What's that!" Actually i find that most of the narcissistic persons here making their elite privledged comments (whether the pilot can fly right or not; as Bruce Willis brain crashes, or as Harrison Ford plane crashes) the people here have NO RESPECT at all, as will be proven when airports are closed for this coming asteroid impact (and the disrespectful scum bags all die, or defy airport laws as in the movie 2012). WO bet youre the sameones who buy AR-15s.

[@Nickgowans]

Get that person a breathalyzer

[@sithticklefingers7255]

“Copy the phone number” is the first step in submitting a report to the local FAA FSDO when these things happen. All evidence is in the hands of FAA law enforcement at that point, and with or without the pilot’s cooperation an investigation is started and findings will be made. I’m very confident that remedial training will be part of this pilots future. Anything more than that and I’d be making stuff up for entertainment…

[@paulegladu4963]

Could he be drunk that day

[@don7294]

I remember flying with my grandfather back in the early 70's. He was a flight instructor and I was trying to get my pilot's license. He was a retired Airforce fighter pilot with combat experience but, I noticed he would take longer and longer to respond to the controllers instructions and or just ignore them all together. One time we had to make an emergency turn away from an incoming commercial aircraft and we stalled and missed crashing by a couple of feet. We almost killed ourselves and everyone aboard that passenger jet. When we finally landed he didn't remember what had happened. I was so grateful to be alive, and I was a mess for a couple of days. I don't know what the FAA did after the incident but, I convinced my grandmother to not let him fly again. The plane was sold shortly afterwards. He took up golfing where not remembering where your ball lands is OK.

[@2nickles647]

When our EGO gets in the way of common sense. We fail to acknowledge our mistakes. I see that among people who are experts, people who think they are perfect and they don't make mistakes and will not admit it. Im not sure how many pilots are that way.

[@kd5you1]

At least with golf he can join a golf flight and fly in a different manner.

[@markg7963]

Another lesson, is that you “qualified” him by what you thought he should be instead of what he was. No disrespect to anyone, but we are only as good as our current day allows. Experience is great, but eventually we all decline, get rusty, or whatever…. But these skills we have are not permanent. They have to be maintained.

[@benwinter2420]

It's exact opposite in the Punch & Judy show theatre of the mafia absurd we call politics . . the older the actors get more fun we have in the stands

[@takumi2023]

​@2nickles647 in this case, it's just dementia. I dont think it's the grandfather's fault. He didnt remember what happened. If hebhas no memory, he cant know he did something wrong.

[@DataPilot370]

Back when I was a new CFI, I had a “student” that had over 10,000 hours and could fly way better than I could. He was in his 80s and aware of his diminishing mental abilities, so he would always take a CFI with him on his flights. It was awesome for me, since I got paid to sit in the right-hand seat and talk to our local legend.

[@zachansen8293]

@@oscarleijontoft Guy probably had plenty of money. And at some point you don't even have to be a pilot to fly with a pilot next to you. I've done it (though I didn't take off or land)

[@bittnerbs]

Same. My mentors are in their 70s. I got old school guys to teach me to fly twin Cessnas and King Airs. Now, I’ll right seat for them so they can still get their time behind the controls. It seems like this guy is having a cognitive processing issue. He can no longer interpret the ATC instructions and follow the commands.

[@DataPilot370]

@@oscarleijontoft Flying your own plane is expensive, whether you pay a CFI or not.

[@oscarleijontoft]

@@bittnerbs Thing is, 70-80 year olds are slower, they have limited perception, they have much worse multitasking abilities and they get stressed more easily. And then you have the physical stuff, heart, lungs, strokes, it's a nightmare. And in traffic in a car there's not even ATC!

[@DataPilot370]

@@oscarleijontoft I never said that. My 80-something year old “student” had his own plane. Flight instructors aren’t cheap, but maintaining, insuring, buying gas and other incidentals for a plane is very expensive. I got paid $10 / hour when I working as a CFI in the 1980s, and that was significantly less than the expense of fueling and operating the plane.

[@auntrowdy]

If we can get a recording of Kelsey telling ATC that he’s big and fat and heavy and doesn’t want hot brakes, that would be the most epic thing ever! 😂😂😂

[@theherk]

“performance”

[@bodhi1462]

​@theherk right lol.

[@bodhi1462]

​@theherk lol

[@jimmyzhao2673]

"I need a lot of attention" lol

[@RobertCraft-re5sf]

Someone should make a "Kelsey out-of-context" video of different things he's said.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

He shouldn't even be allowed to drive a car, let alone an airplane.

[@ronjones-6977]

You just KNOW he drives a car like this, too. What the actual F, grandpa?

[@Garythefireman66]

When you're told "you're a disaster," it's time to rethink some of your life choices.

[@obelic71]

the chanches are very high this is an elderly senior person who's mental health and capability to operate an aircraft /vehicle is diminished. Often they won't exept they are not capable to fly / drive anymore.

[@cynomyS]

@@obelic71whose*

[@oldRighty1]

@@obelic71 *accept

[@ghaznavid]

Well, when it's air traffic control anyway. When people at work say that, it's a bit different.

[@cpl_0503]

I disagree, my ex-wife used to say that to me ALL the time and the only life choice I ever had to really question was marrying her. :

[@danielputnam7191]

As a professional pilot who flies a Citation Latitude (for the same company depicted in your video, by the way) I have to say this gentleman has no place flying in and around Teterboro (KTEB). The airspace around there is some of the busiest in the world. I also agree that the ATC controllers in the New York area are some of the best in the world. Teterboro, due to the volume of aircraft and complex airspace surrounding it, can be an absolute nightmare getting in and out of. Hats off to the controllers for not allowing anyone to get killed. As to the pilot of 46AV, you've had a good run, sir, but it's time to walk away from aviation.

[@maryeckel9682]

I was thinking the same thing. Super busy airport!

[@fightingfalconfan]

How did you afford the flight school? I am a dad of two kids under 5 and have always been into aviation; at first it was a mother terrified of heights to let me even close to a operating air craft. Now that I am older It's more of funding...Also was it difficult to become an aviator? I have always struggled with the book work in school. Hopefully since this is a very big passion of mine I won't struggle so bad. I am more of a hands on learner then anything else.

[@user-qy4rr6wn4g]

I agree with your conclusion, but you miss the most important part of the lesson here. The problem was not, in my reading of the information, that Teterboro was a complex airspace. He should not be flying in any airspace, which IS your conclusion. Can you imagine this pilot on CTAF at an uncontrolled airport? A nightmare that I have lived through. Self-assessment is the pilot's responsibility, but a pilot in cognitive decline can not do that. That's when pilot buddies have to do the talk. And If they don't wait too long, it will work. Thanks for your comment.

[@therasco400]

No need to walk away, just don't be primary. Either find a lower traffic airport or just pick a young polit to fly with you and they can take the controls in the less demanding times.

[@jrod1077]

Did my private training at TEB for several reasons, not the least of which was to acquire solid communication skills in complex airspace. Some people told me I was crazy as the taxi lengths and sequencing delays would add a lot of Hobbs time. Early on, I visited the tower to ask when their busy times were and I scheduled my training during slower parts of the day & evening. Very cool place to train and if I had to do it over, I'd go back to TEB. Controllers are real pros and I think the overall experience made me a much better pilot.

[@s3tanism3]

If I'm the FAA officer, nope, banned from flying, permanently. He's a danger to all aviators.

[@oddshot60]

A DANGER TO AVIATORS??? I don't want this dope flying over my freakin' HOUSE!

[@falxonPSN]

​@@oddshot60Yeah, at this point he's a danger to humanity if he's in a plane.

[@user-ff8ju1ee9b]

This pilot can not be allowed to fly alone again.

[@jamesavery6015]

You ever heard of life, liberty, property and due process used in the same paragraph before?

[@JAMessinaJr]

@@jamesavery6015 Life, liberty, property, and due process are paramount. What is exhibited in this video requires the fourth portion be expedited for the assurance of the prior three.

[@martgryfny]

Being half way into this video, what came to my mind is that the only way to avoid an accident caused bu such uncooperative and stubborn pilot, is to announce emergency, give him a priority, let him land wherever he wants as quick as possible, and eventually take his licence. If you have 100 cooperative pilots and one that is not, you can still warn the others to avoid him.

[@misterhenchmen]

yeah I was wishing they called an emergency way before he was able to find his way to land.. omg so dangerous!!

[@whazzat8015]

Sadly, he needs to never be flying

[@AdamantUK2007]

I feel this is what should have happened. ATC could have declared for the pilot due to pilot incapacitation. They could have had all stop on the ground and made sure it's just him coming in for landing to reduce the risk to others this aircraft posed along with having fire trucks standing by just in case the pilot is unable to safely execute a landing.

[@whazzat8015]

@@AdamantUK2007 This is what dementia and stroke sound like. Not uncommon. Not good. Needs to have his keys taken away. Always a tough scene.

[@gypsysoul1719]

Agree. Send everyone else to holding pattern and give the airspace to this guy exclusively to land only.

[@Maggie-tr2kd]

Being a tenant at the airport for 14 years isn't a persuasive argument for anything other than maybe he owns a plane and pays his rent on time.

[@jugheadjones5458]

Exactly. In fact it’s an indictment against him because he’s admitting familiarity while undergoing a massive brain fart. He should know just about everything there is to know about the airport, ATC, the extremely congested airspace, and on and on I could go. What he left unsaid could have been, “I’ve been a tenant at this airport for 14 years, ‘and I should know better.’” Maybe he only flew 1 hour a year.🤪 Scary situation.

[@heinzerbrew]

@@jugheadjones5458 he is like 88 years old and was probably disoriented. "should have known better" doesn't really come into play when your brain isn't working correctly.

[@notcook628]

And certainly is not something to be spending time discussing on frequency at a congested airport!

[@jugheadjones5458]

@@heinzerbrew I agree. I didn’t know his age. Someone with normal cognition and 14 years of experience at that airport SHOULD know better. But hardly worth arguing about is it? He has no business flying.

[@heinzerbrew]

@@jugheadjones5458 not an argument, just letting you know. Either way, he should not be solo flying.

[@ChanceNP]

Sorry, revoke his pilot license. As a former flight nurse, the med crew had to actually refuse to fly with 2 different pilots to have the company (at different times over 10 yrs) take our complaints seriously and send out a flight instructor to test them. At least the 2nd time it happened much faster. We were threatened with being fired but we all responded eff off, I can get a job tomorrow in hospital. It will pay less, but at least I won’t be dead. Our program had experienced a crash previously killing the pilot & paramedic. After a deep dive investigation, it was found that he had been let go for not being able to multitask from a former job, but he didn’t report the job on his resume & no report to FAA was made. He was then hired as a medical helicopter pilot that would involve flying unscheduled flights in and out of Washington DC airspace. A disaster waiting to happen.

[@tomruth9487]

@ChanceNP, that's quite a story. You did the right thing.

[@sjb3460]

The FAA must be staffed with a bunch of lazy dumbasses. In the past couple of years,, )not a pilot but an aviation enthusiast(, I have read about a couple of pilots with revoked licenses, revoked instructor licenses, and other hazardous problems, flying and getting people killed. When a pilot's license is revoked, isn't a database to consult to verify the licensee's status? How could your pilot, with a fatal crash, pass a background investigation? Don't your and other companies conduct background investigations, or do you take a pilot's word of his history? The first egregious unlicensed and bogus flight certification was the owner\pilot of the Galloping Ghost which crashed into the viewing stands at the Reno air races in 2011 killing 13 and causing traumatic losses of arms and legs on many survivors, and disintegrating some of bodies of the dead spectators. He had lied previously about his age, he lied the last time about the total flight hours his illegally modified and untested P51 had accrued. He stated he had 1200 hours on his airplane when he could only document 200 hours. The inspectors at the race took his word because the race rules state that a plane that has 1000hrs after being modified is airworthy. Which means, he would not be able to race that day. I read a few months ago of the owner of a pilot school crashed and died who did not have a pilots license or an instructor's license. How are these renegades able to keep flying???

[@TheSuzberry]

Not sorry. Pull his license. He could have killed a lot of people.

[@brooklynkhloekelley4329]

The thing no FP-C wants to talk about …. The age of the pilot. We had some almost 70. Not gonna lie, I was often terrified.

[@FRLN500]

@@brooklynkhloekelley4329 Your fear was not necessarily founded on reasonable cause. Sully was almost 60 when he ditched flight 1549 in the Hudson river. His age and experience were positive factors in the saving of all souls onboard.

[@hawaiianetops9566]

My grandpa was a fighter pilot in WW2 and worked as a safety inspector and pilot examiner for the CAA and FAA (holding a type rating in "all aircraft, all types" for a short period in the early jet age) until 70, at which time he stopped flying powered aircraft. In his time he was renowned for his skill as an airman, especially in aerobatics. He remained a DPE on gliders until he was 77 at which time he retired from flying totally. My dad was an airline pilot and later an executive jet pilot. He retired from jets at 68 and flew a Skymaster for his own amusement and to commute until he was 74. Both of them said a day comes when you can just feel that you're no longer able to safely to be a pilot. They both loved flying and would still go up with younger pilots and take the controls. They never flew as PIC after they hit the magic age that varies from one airman to another, but they both said they had to be honest with themselves about it. Sounds like this guy at 88 needs to be honest with himself.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

World War/Golden Age pilots were hard core. I was born in the wrong era... Love the 80's but it was a different breed back then. People had more balls

[@neilpatrickhairless]

And more common sense

[@peterbodifee]

@@neilpatrickhairless I think that airspace was a lot less busy compared with today. And WW2 pilots were used to fly in close formations, dog fighting etc. They probably were very good at understanding situational awareness by looking out the window. That has completely changed with all the automation in navigation both on aircraft as well as on the ground. I am not a pilot (but a sailor, similar challenges), so for these old school air man with lots of experience it maybe hard to realize they can no longer do this any more.

[@dsy1081]

In an ideal world, you realize that you can't handle it any more. My grandfather realized he was done at 82. But what happens when you miss the window when you're still with it enough to fly but not with it enough to know that you probably shouldn't. It's a tough situation. Medicals need to expire sooner over the age of 70. Much like driver's licenses.

[@bashkillszombies]

They didn't have a screeching hysterical ATC woman banging on at them with contradicting directions.

[@DandyLion.Wishes]

His confusion sounds eerily similar to every senior-age car driver who accelerated when intending to brake; I agree, solo flying is over.

[@AB-80X]

Sounds more like a "ghost driver" who enters the motorway into oncoming traffic.

[@studworth]

I'm guessing he just stood on the pedals but not high enough for toe brakes...

[@fleggrat1974]

That pilot sounds like he is having a serious senior moment

[@SupremeRuleroftheWorld]

this was not a "senior moment", you cannot have those driving a plane. he had a loss of his cognitive abillities and needs to have his licence taken from him forcefully.

[@fleggrat1974]

@@SupremeRuleroftheWorld You fly a plane sir

[@babybluesky9238]

"I don't believe this the plane doesn't stop"

[@jmo82592]

@@fleggrat1974 supreme is just having a senior moment let him drive his planes around.

[@inkjazz]

@@SupremeRuleroftheWorld It is "a senior moment", and the first one anyone has should be license removal to agree with you

[@efoxxok7478]

Just clarification on the ATC part. First of all I am a retired controller from Chicago so I have some insight. The average time on positions is about 90 minutes, sometimes it is a lot shorter, and is not supposed to be more than 2 hours. This varies mainly based on staffing and when people come back from breaks. In this scenario I doubt it’s a supervisor, I have very seldom seen a supervisor step in as they don’t have the picture of your specific traffic. Most likely it is not a relief because once the new controller takes over the relieved controller doesn’t want to interfere as this will just make the situation worse. Far more likely it is training in progress. In this case the female is training the male, and steps in then steps back, then steps in again.

[@kxjewelry7809]

Indeed, I believe this is the case.. the female voice is definitely the trainer and the calm male voice is the student. The female trainer is definitely more frustrated, and the male trainee is definitely trying to do his best.

[@tommytfaa]

​@@kxjewelry7809yeah she is terrible. Calm and cool is the way to go

[@robertthorne2357]

Definitely OJTI in progress.

[@xEricC1001x]

@@tommytfaa That's the "ive worked here 10years with 40hr workweeks and seen too much of this shit" attitude. I'm surprised they didn't hit the crash alarm when he was cleared to land to freeze the airport so those 2 near misses on the ground didn't happen.

[@AccidentallyOnPurpose]

@@tommytfaaShe is not terrible, she is telling him straight up. That pilot is making the situation very unsafe for everyone else in the air and ground, her reaction was pretty appropriate.

[@haroldburton419]

85 years here, gave it up two years ago and continue my safe longevity without small aircraft! HALLELUJAH!!’

[@garyb6219]

And if you ever would have flown over my house, I thank you!

[@Dad-979]

@@garyb6219you sound like one of them there Karen’s or Daren’s or whatever

[@fmachine86]

@@haroldburton419 We all get there someday. Good on you for knowing your limits. You made it to old pilot because you weren’t a bold pilot. And now you got many years ahead of you to share your stories.

[@OfficialSamuelC]

Thank you for being sensible and not being selfish!

[@Kingmeri]

@haroldburton419 - i'm sure there's plenty of younger pilots like myself willing to take you up in your area. Thanks for your responsibility.

[@Backnine907]

I'll never forget on my first cross-country, my instructor made me add Teterboro to my flight plan. I departed from Deer Park on long island to Westchester County and then onto Teterboro with a full stop. Teterboro was like flying into the belly of the beast compared to Westchester. The Teterboro ATC had me stacked in patterns with over a dozen or more commercial aircraft. It was nerve racking and for a rookie, I almost sht my pants. When I returned back to Deer Park, my instructor asked me how everything went and I told him about it not being fun going to Teterboro and his response was "well you made it back alive so you did great" with a big smile on his face.

[@topgun9666]

This guy should NOT be anywhere near an aircraft. All licenses and endorsements revoked for life. Pretty much every single rule there is he broke.

[@benedekhalda-kiss9737]

Or a car for that matter

[@carlosp4521]

A different channel that reviewed this event mentioned that the aircraft was sold a month later.

[@lapsedluddite3381]

@carlosp4521 Thank god for that! They also had discovered he was 88, so it is very possible he was having a serious medical issue happening, a heartbreaking, terrifying situation. Mercifully no one else was hurt, it could easily have been so much worse...

[@justusetpecator]

The idea of declaring an emergency for him would have been a very good choice. Unless they were just building a paper trail for his suspension.

[@rinistephenson5550]

@@carlosp4521 Must have been hard on the old guy who'd been a tenant for 14 years, but safer for everyone. My elderly FIL (who'd really become an unsafe driver) came to pick us up at an airport and my husband told him to move over so husband could drive. When FIL refused, we headed off to the car rental place. FIL moved over and never tried to drive us again. But feathers were ruffled and feelings were hurt. Better than dying. :(

[@irisandu2]

Dear Kelsey, We are definitely going to need an update on this. This pilot is probably no longer able to fly. Like taking keys away from a senior, hard to do and heartbreaking but MUST be done. Glad no one was hurt.

[@JoeyP946]

how is that hard to do. At 88 doing groceries alone is already a giant task, flying a plane is just insane

[@iWilburnYou]

​@@JoeyP946 I'd say it's difficult if the person has been flying for years and loves it. It's obviously the safe and correct decision, but that doesn't mean that the pilot isn't going to be upset about it.

[@JoeyP946]

@@iWilburnYou well sure you're giving bad news, but nowadays people get just as upset if you say "wear a mask" or you say he instead of she. I'm kinda used to people being upset

[@jeanaprewitt9658]

@@iWilburnYou Too bad. Commercial pilots are forced to retire at 65. As a private pilot, this guy is no longer fit to fly.

[@Esauofisaac]

dude that is not heartbreaking in the slightest. Aviation is an innately dangerous industry, it's only because of the incredibly high standards for safety and communication that we rarely hear of tragic accidents. This guy was an absolute DISASTER, there are tons of ways he can have fun in life other than flying and endangering everyone else.

[@greebo6549]

To quote airplane “he’s a menace to himself and everything else in the air, yes… birds too”

[@jordanalbano9780]

Roger, Roger. What’s our vector, Victor?

[@stevegibson743]

Honestly, it sounds like the controllers should have declared an emergency long before it got that far. The pilot was showing signs of stroke confusion. If they have never had problems with him in the past and all of a sudden, this manifests to this degree, I would attribute it to a medical emergency. As an ex 16-year police vet from the Dallas metroplex I seen it several times with people driving cars. They are not drunk or left the house in that condition but experienced a medical emergency that made them confused and put them and the traffic around then in danger. They should have questioned that aspect and possibly had an ambulance waiting for him when he touched down.

[@ninedaysjane2466]

He wasn't having a stroke. He's 88 years old. He's flown since this incident, which should scare everyone.

[@rykehuss3435]

controllers cant declare emergencies

[@Jt-od5lm]

@@rykehuss3435they actually can surprised that didn’t right here

[@Because-rt8qs]

​@@rykehuss3435 16:40

[@rykehuss3435]

@@Because-rt8qs doesnt matter what they say, they cant do it.

[@kanamisprs4330]

The phrase "You are so grounded" springs to mind.

[@ronjones-6977]

I heard that in my dad's voice and he's been dead since '89.

[@mrtveye6682]

Being a tenant there for 14 years doesn't really make it better for that dude. He should be very familiar with the procedures there. He should have his license revoked, at least until some serious amount of re-training.

[@InTaco7]

You're missing the obvious answer to what happened: a medical emergency. Could be a stroke, dementia, lead poisoning - many reasons.

[@mrluckyuncle]

Karen of the skies?

[@lindajacobs1487]

At 88, there's no way he should even be considered for that!

[@BH195829]

ATC needs to be able to direct such pilots out of the area to a quiet airport.

[@livingroom13]

@@BH195829 directing to an unfamiliar airfield would not have improved the situation.

[@michelea9725]

Every time you said, "It gets worse", my anxiety jumped up a couple of levels.

[@lordlundin6495]

Moment of truth had to be "what are you doing on my runway!". I was so furious with the dude, but after learning his advanced age I kinda feel bad for him - but don't get that twisted - he should definitely not pilot an aircraft ever again. Sorry gramps.

[@Mikexxx531]

@@lordlundin6495 He can always fly a Part 103 ultralight.

[@Spaniard022]

@@Mikexxx531 My mother is soon going to be 78. She did fly in the past, but I would only be comfortable with her flying a paper plane now, for HER safety. If you have a bad medical moment at any altitude, you (and hopefully only you) are done.

[@Mikexxx531]

@@Spaniard022 Perhaps, but it's HER life, not yours. If you don't want to fly with her, stay on the ground.

[@Spaniard022]

@@Mikexxx531 Do as you please with your parents :)

[@craniumrex4614]

I watched parts of this clip on another channel that did not have any narration and people in the comments were saying this was ATC error. Proof that the whole story is needed, and a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Appreciate the analysis.

[@lovejumanji5]

I have seen that so many times…..sigh

[@ninedaysjane2466]

I've seen it on two channels and the guys in the comments were blaming the female controller. It's disgusting.

[@craniumrex4614]

@@ninedaysjane2466 I think I saw that same channel post. Yes, not providing thoughtful context (or questioning the lack of it) sure makes for people jumping to conclusions. You’re right - it’s disgusting!

[@AB-80X]

Donning-Kruger is running rampant.

[@craniumrex4614]

@@AB-80X no kidding, right?

[@user-sh5it1rh4z]

I am working at a small airfield in Germany and we are battling a motor glider pilot who always, no matter the wind or traffic, wants to take off on RWY32 and land on RWY14, because he parks his car on one side of the aerodrome and he "doesn´t want to walk long distances". The amount of internal screaming I have done in the last few months is insane.

[@maxwest4820]

Die gut geschulten UL Piloten? xD

[@Bernievids]

Go get vaxed more. You’ll be immune to it.

[@TheEyeTeaMan]

put your foot down and tell them they cant and if they dont want to follow your instructions then they can sit in their car till the conditions become safe then ignore them

[@theodorepollock1273]

Can you tell him to land at a different runway or divert to a different airfield?

[@alakani]

​@@TheEyeTeaMan I know being even more childish than the original problem is the way of the future, and that this was supposed to be one of those newfangled jokes without a punchline; but once there is a real reason to tell the guy off, I'm sure it will be enjoyed

[@crfdln]

An erudite pilot once gave this profound advice for GA pilots nearing retirement age: "Someday you'll go out to your plane for a flight, and it will be your last flight but you won't know it....or someday you'll go out to your plane knowing it is going to be your last flight." We should all try to be in the latter group.

[@ocoolwow]

That is what you consider profound advice? Yikes.

[@crfdln]

@@ocoolwow The "profound advice" part is knowing when to retire from flying before you become an accident statistic.

[@goofballbiscuits3647]

​@@ocoolwow You missed the entire wisdom and opted for "yikes" We are doomed.

[@PeterBee911]

He is the kind of guy who turns without signals, without checking his mirror, goes the speed he wants to and end up blaming you if he collides with your car.

[@rjthomasindyusa]

Sounds like most drivers to me…..

[@mrrcassidy]

I think the controller's priorities were wrong. If he was unable to follow instructions at his chosen destination, why would she think he would be able to follow them elsewhere? You cannot bully a confused person into being no longer confused. If you have 20 competent pilots in your airspace, suffer the inconvenience, clear it and get the incompetent/incapacitated one on the ground where he is no longer a danger to himself or anyone else. Whilst the pilot needs thorough assessment and may well need to be accompanied if he absolutely has to keep flying, I suspect a subsequent investigation may also not show her in a good light.

[@chrisanderson4044]

I mean I’m a controller and the only thing I would say they should’ve done differently is when the guy blew through the the bars on E, I would’ve told local to hold their departure, assuming there was one, and just let the guy blow through the runway. That being said there are a lot of moving parts here. Idk their set up but if they’ve got someone on final or crossing the threshold you can’t really realistically tell them to go around here. Without seeing all the other traffic in the area and on the airport I think it’s probably best to not comment if you don’t know what you’re talking about.

[@mrrcassidy]

@@chrisanderson4044 Never seen so many controllers in one place. You could have a controller party.

[@nunyabidness674]

Saw this on another channel a few days ago. My thought then was the same as it is now. "Imagine what he's like in a grocery store parking lot..."

[@obelic71]

those are the people who drive into the building because they are confused between the brake and gaspedal

[@babybluesky9238]

I knew an old couple that used to drive a car like a plane - two drivers She used to tell him which way to steer because he could still handle the wheel and pedals, but he was mostly blind so relied on her to tell him which way to go. They did arrive and did leave quite regularly, but I have no idea what others encountering them on their road journeys experienced hahah

[@markmaki4460]

@@obelic71 Hah that happened at holy mass one Sunday when i was there, and it happened to be the priest's first day celebrating at that parish. The fellow drove his car from where he had parked it straight into a brick facade and wrecked car and facade. Thankfully, no one was even injured, but i thought it ironic the parish at that point needed a mason (as well as a carpenter, which the priest happened to be as well).

[@sarasmr4278]

​@markmaki4460 that is a fantastic story thank you for sharing

[@JohnShalamskas]

Some parling lots are like that ever day.

[@MarcPagan]

thanks for the story - Your recommendation is exactly part of what I did as a Civil Air Patrol volunteer instructor. Flew with Vets who still loved to fly, but had diminished skills due to age related issues. The last thing to go in my experience, performing a safe landing. Nav and Comms where a challenge to many.

[@robmc1232]

Wow! I didn't know anybody did that. As a retired military pilot, I thank you for YOUR service to veterans!

[@KayoEll]

I love this SO MUCH. I cannot give this enough love. I have an uncle who gave up flying after he left the Air Force. However, he did demonstrate "aircraft carrier landings" on a table made slick with beer at the officer's club at his youngest son's wedding reception (the son was also an AF officer). In other words, my uncle was a character. Had he continued flying, I can completely imagine him being able to fly and land a plane, but not being able to do so while handling coms. Making accommodations like this to keep people doing what they love doing keeps them mentally and socially engaged, allows them to participate in their communities, and ensures that their wisdom isn't lost. Thank you for you CAP service!

[@lapsedluddite3381]

Thank you 💖🙏💖

[@sarasmr4278]

You did this in a volunteer position? That's amazing. Much love 💜

[@MarcPagan]

@@sarasmr4278 CAP are all volunteers amigo :) They also have a group for those under 18, rather like the boy or girl scouts. However, since I left, they have tarnished themselves by "DEI" on their website. That's a no go for anyone who despises racism, and Marxism.

[@GeneralSulla]

I gave up on my trucking CDL just because at 66, I felt my edge dulling and I didnt want to endanger myself ot others. My Dad had dementia so I'm keenly aware of the risks. I can't imagine flying an aircraft in busy airspace.

[@niyablake]

The pilot is 88.

[@PuffKitty]

At least you reached retirement age for your social security benefits, or close to it. My husband is supposed to work until he's 70 to get his but he'll have to just work in the yard, I imagine. I don't see him still hauling doubles then.

[@cremebrulee4759]

Thank you for making that decision.

[@Diamondphobe]

UK trucker here, the difference is everyone a pilot deals with is a professional (allegedly), everyone we deal with aren't, don't respect their licence and think it's no problem shoving their dinky car in front of my 44t truck. And if we hit them, it's our fault. Pilots at least get a proper investigation. Enjoy your retirement.

[@BkNy02]

My uncle got Parkinson's in his fifties and was forced to relinquish his CDL. He never made it to retirement age.

[@mariezurie7828]

No flying or driving! 78 yo female KILLED 20 people when smashed thru the front of a bank & THEN tried to park upon seeing the Accounts Desk. She then said, [I] "lost concentration during the parking manuever because of all the screaming. I had my windows down and some young fellow under my left front tire was hollering really vile things. I don’t understand why he wasn’t arrested on the spot”.

[@lpcustomvs]

Where did that happen?

[@displayer6023]

Cool story, but it never happened

[@platty9237]

Isn’t that the average age of a Washington DC politician? Just sayin.

[@Molly-cl5pd]

​@@platty9237 And you are absolutely correct. Great post of yours!

[@mirage790]

I suspect the onset of dementia. My mother had it and I didn't recognize it at first. She got lost driving to our house, but there was road construction so she took the detour and got lost, so I excused it. She blamed me for not telling her about the detour, which I didn't know about, but in her mind it was my fault. A while later, she was going to bring a package to my husband's work, which was only 3 miles from her apartment. She phoned me and said she drove up and down the street for an hour but couldn't find it. She was on the wrong street, yet somehow this was again my fault! That weekend she sent out and started her car and went back inside to let it warm up (winter in Michigan) and when she went back out to her car, it was on fire. It burned to the ground by the time the fire department got there. She decided not to get another car, so thank God I didn't have to be the one to take her keys away! But I certainly would have if that didn't happen. It was so sad to see my mother gradually slipping away. Maybe this is the beginning of the same problem for this man? Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately for their sake, they do not realize what is happening to them. Time for family intervention!

[@mnpd3]

I was driving home from work and just happened to be behind my 40-something wife who was driving home from somewhere too. We were on a two-lane highway and she was driving 20-mph. We were near the house and after we pulled in I asked her what was wrong with the car. She didn't know what I was talking about, or the fact that she was creeping down the highway. Days later while we were both in the car with me driving I noticed that if I covered the speedometer she had no idea how fast we were moving. I tried other things later and noticed that she had no idea of the passage of time... she literally couldn't tell the difference between 10-minutes and an hour. Eventually an MRI showed that she had MS with the lesions in the cognitive areas of the brain. No physical symptoms which didn't show until years later. That was 30-years ago, she's still kicking thanks to modern treatment, but she has not driven once in that space of time.

[@bashkillszombies]

Nah, it was the female ATC, she was being super dramatic and hysterical making things way harder than they needed to be and once he got rattled it went down hill from there.

[@78tag]

...try throwing poor eye sight into the mix and the ophthalmologist not reporting it to DMV. Guess who had to do all of it ? I was public enemy #1.

[@MarcF.Nielssen]

​@@bashkillszombies Do you have issues or are you trying to be funny?

[@MarcF.Nielssen]

Not "onset" of dementia. It's progressed quite far.

[@mihaiapstru7483]

With me, this "tenant guy" would never fly again. Zero professionalism, erratic behaviour, an annoying and dangerous person, thus not a pilot.

[@michaeld53]

Entitled because he’s been a tenant there 14 years

[@Andrew-13579]

And the FCC should revoke his Restricted Radio Telephone Operator Permit, too. Because he sure doesn’t know how to not key up over other transmissions.

[@creolespanish34]

I believe that he just got too old. But, regardless of the cause, the result is the same clear risk for the safety around him. He shouldn't be flying, unless somebody is supervising him directly. Better safe than sorry

[@RailBuffRob]

That lease was revoked the moment he said that.

[@Harald.]

He's 88. Dementia can sneak up on you as you age, and it's easy to miss the signs because they're usually gradual.

[@capncrunch9053]

I've seen this before. I believe, muscle memory kicked in, which is why he landed safely, but when given specific instructions, he failed to execute, because he didn't have the capacity to retain the information he was given. My money is definitely on dimentia.

[@AllynHin]

Another commentor said he looked up the pilot and he's 88 years old. I dealt with my mom and my FiL with dementia. I'll bet you're correct.

[@capncrunch9053]

@@AllynHin I watched my father go through it.

[@uscsuh60pilot]

Then how did this guy pass a biannual flight review? He's going to kill someone.

[@I_SuperHiro_I]

Age does the same thing. It’s why doctors are forced to retire, just as commercial pilots are.

[@I_SuperHiro_I]

@@capncrunch9053I’m very sorry. I experienced it with my grandmother who I love very very dearly. There is nothing more painful.

[@Joze1090]

You said "hopefully he can keep flying" and I said NOOOOO. Not alone, not with an instructor. Dude is done.

[@BillMillerMusicComposer]

Compassion for the decline that comes with aging can only go so far...regardless of the reason, this guy CANNOT be allowed to keep flying.

[@williamwallace9826]

Compassion for the aging also includes doing whatever you can to prevent them from killing themselves, and potentially hundreds of other people.

[@BillMillerMusicComposer]

@@williamwallace9826 Excellent point.

[@samuraiwarriorsunite]

Maybe even driving; who knows?

[@JoeyP946]

@@samuraiwarriorsunite I have seen old people do some very wild things behind the wheel, where I live my grandma is still technically allowed to drive, (You just renew your license) but she can barely handle a phone or do groceries, let alone actually drive. (She's 90)

[@uNiels_Heart]

I'm so glad that you covered this flight, because I already saw the flight on another channel, but without any explanation whatsoever. The comments over there were all over the place and I was just confused what was even going on in the first place. You make this so crystal clear to understand what happened for a civilian that has no real clue of aviation, I'm really grateful.

[@webcucciolo]

As a pilot, this situation stressed me so much. I would be scared to fly in the vicinity of this guy. We all make mistakes, but this seem much more than just mistakes. Horrible readbacks and everything, but the entitlement and the use of the radio are infuriating!! How did he fly in and out of that airport for 14 years? Or maybe he went there for 14 years just to do spotting, and learned how to fly yesterday? Or by chance he always got runway 24, which is right besides the GA parking, and so he never had the need to cross other runways and taxiways? And nobody ever taught him to STOP CHATTING ON THE RADIO WHILE INSTRUCTIONS ARE BEING GIVEN?

[@axelBr1]

I'm sure there are a lot of controllers there, and shift patterns reduce the chance of meeting, but after 14 years I would have thought the ATCs would have recognised him, and he them if he'd been flying regularly.

[@iro6758]

I think this was the onset of dementia, or something similar. It would explain how he'd been there for 14 years to suddenly become so-blatantly impaired... Like that thing with the radio, every time he heard someone talking to him he'd just press the button down to respond - despite usually not saying anything(in the beginning of the video, at least, he'd keep pressing the button down but not say anything ). His brain was just making the connection "someone's talking to me, I must respond" and there was NOTHING behind it.

[@RPSchonherr]

Teterboro has been a busy place since the 40's he should know operations there by now. He probably took 14 years to rebuild his plane and is just flying it for the first time. No I doubt that. Just a very low time pilot.

[@RPSchonherr]

@@iro6758 Sounds like ATC needs a new way to talk to pilots. Cell service can be modified and most people carry cell phones when flying.

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

I saw only confusion, not entitlement... do not see him being rude or aggressive or demanding in any way, just has not got a clue what he is doing... which, unless he is lying about being based there, tells me this is something medical going on that's seriously effecting brain functions. the controller lady sounded much more "entitled" to me... or at least "in power and very happy to be there"

[@woodwerkman1]

This pilot needs an immediate medical re-evaluation.

[@AB-80X]

No. He needs his license revoked and a fine.

[@alexanderschonfeld5879]

I was denied a renewed FAA medical because of a single (never repeated) episode of A-fib at age 54 and this guy is allowed to fly? DMV didn't stop me from driving even though I spend far more hours in a car with the supposedly higher probability of causing an accident. Maybe I should thank the FAA for saving me the $ I'd have spent on flying

[@MrVulcan1963]

I had the same event, had to jump through a few medical hoops to get a special issue, but I finally got my medical back. The FAA are Philistines when it comes to their medical regs.

[@thomastucker5686]

Thank you for answering that question for me. I thought it might be the medication I am taking that would disqualify me from a medical. I could land an airplane, or maintain altitude and heading while having an a-fib episode, but I wouldn't wish to do it. It used to only last 15-30 seconds at a time. Now it can be several hours. I haven't asked anyone who would know, but I would like to know if I could still fly with a CFI for the joy of flying, or can I not touch the controls of an airplane again, because I cannot get a medical. I am 59.

[@MrVulcan1963]

@@thomastucker5686 I had a electrophysiology study done, and they found an errant electrical pathway near my main sinus node. I had an ablation done and have had no further recurrence. You can still fly with a CFI on board if you need to get your flying fix.

[@theunaimedarrow4903]

A lot of people don't even know they're in a fib. I know they want healthy pilots but for something asymptomatic it seems extreme​@@thomastucker5686

[@musicloverme3993]

@@thomastucker5686 I am not a pilot but there should be some way for you to find out. Best wishes in your endeavor.

[@fsj197811]

Oh my goodness... The "You'd think it's over but nope, it gets worse." shocked me every single time. Thanksfor sharing.

[@PasleyAviationPhotography]

Kelsey moving up from a hotel room to a warehouse.

[@butchieblock9118]

Yeah! Kelsey, we actually prefer the hotel room with a nice comfy bed in the background!!! Boring as it MAY SEEM!!

[@tetedur377]

He needs the space for his slightly out-of-date computer. It is the size of a warehouse.

[@BeastOfSoda]

@@tetedur377 I thought it was for snacks storage.

[@Anna_Xor]

He's setting up his own private aviation themed strip club.

[@prussiaaero1802]

Broadcasting from the new air and space facility.

[@nasonh4324]

ehhh ... you are being very generous ... take away the keys. No more dirving no more flying. Let him co-pilot a couch.

[@michaelm1]

Disaster is exactly what this pilot is. It's an absolute miracle that he hasn't caused hundreds of people to cash in prematurely. I should say not yet, as I assume he still has his license. I'd love to listen to that phone call.

[@rinistephenson5550]

Someone discovered that plane for sale a month later. It probably took a month to pry his fingers off it (and off his license).

[@MsJubjubbird]

Perhaps his family intervened and said no more flying. Or perhaps he was in a daze because of a big financial loss and he wanted to go flying. I think there is something personal going on.

[@fromdarknesscomeslight6894]

I listened to this on VAS Aviation and one of the comments on that video made a good point: "If you hit the brakes and the brakes don't work, your first instinct shouldn't be to jump on the radio and explain." Aviate, then Navigate, then Communicate (even when you're on the ground).

[@jakecairns5231]

I'm not entirely sure about that. For everything this pilot did wrong, and he did a lot wrong, it does seem rational to immediately warn ATC if you can't stop your plane entering the active runway.

[@fromdarknesscomeslight6894]

@@jakecairns5231 One transmission I could understand to alert ATC, maybe two if you get stepped on. But five transmissions between you crossing the stop bar and pulling the handbrake??? And none of them clearly informed ATC what was happening. That's excessive to say the least.

[@felipecordova4526]

His brakes are good, he is just overwhelmed

[@keithzulu5014]

If life was so simple we would all be kings and queens and liver to 200 yo. Pilots (at least the ones on KZbin) seem to think that this mantra seems to summarize what it takes to fly. This mantra, if taken too much to heart, goes from a simple aid to memory to a simplistic explanation of how to fly. In your comment you have made it simplistic. If an ATC has been verbally abusing you why would you not try communicate first?

[@senseisecurityschool9337]

​@@keithzulu5014 "If ATC has been verbally abusing you why not try to communicate first" So trying to win an argument with ATC is more important than controlling the aircraft? Is that you, 6AV?

[@truthteller1246]

74 Gear will never lose its #1 status..The best around

[@Daveinwall]

Being from NJ, it's actually scary that this guy could be flying over my home.

[@steveb6616]

The risk of loss of life and/or property damage is too great in an aviation context to let this guy keep flying

[@hoopslaa5235]

Very bad commentary at the end by Kelsey about his passion and interest and such, SO WHAT. Guns cars and other shit SO WHAT. I don’t care how passionate or time or MONEY you fools put in something, you don’t deserve the priviledge because of time or friends or money whatever. This happens with soo many people in sports they get pushed ahead because some guy is a golf regular or tennis club regular. SO WHAT. Old guy skills failing doesn’t mean shit to me, I don’t care how long you’ve paid taxes in the Hamptons and been playing at the club. If you suck you suck.

[@Itsmytest]

Aimlessly flying around airspace close enough to New York City, and ignoring ATC. This could've ended so much worse.

[@wayneyd2]

Was that Harrison Ford?

[@Rich_Jamison]

If this guy has been a tenant for 14 years at that airport, and still has this many mistakes, it's time to look deeper at why he was so confused and causing so much turmoil. I hope he is medically and mentally ok but it needs to be looked at. Love Kelsey's humor throughout!

[@Compassion4Orphans]

I was thinking this too. Maybe stroke recently?

[@jahnkaplank8626]

How dare you not treat him like VIP!? He's been there FOURTEEN YEARS! lol

[@lughscanlan]

Kelsey always does an amazing job explaining these interactions between pilots and ATC. I don’t know anything about aviation but Kelsey has a terrific ability to explain it all to non-aviation people and make it all really compelling too. After watching these videos over the years I know it is bad news for the pilot when they have to write down a phone number. 😮

[@AirBornMedia]

At 14:34 he's almost pleading to land, clearly in some distress. I think you're spot on with declaring an emergency for the guy.

[@MarkJoseph81]

Nah, I think he just wanted the world to revolve around him and bow to his immediate wishes. Dementia or not, that's his personality.

[@AirBornMedia]

@@MarkJoseph81 Ah, so you know him. My bad.

[@CCtheRapperman]

​@@AirBornMedia your perspective assumes just as much about who this person is as the other comment does

[@BarbaraJikai]

This pilot might have been going through a medical problem during flight without him really noticing it. A TIA or something the like. I find it hard to believe for anyone, even the less good pilots out there, to get so utterly confused in an airspace and at an airport you're familiar with for fourteen years already. Before anything else, this man needs to be medically checked out.

[@paulcantrell01451]

Came here to say the same thing... As a flight instructor I've flown with older guys who want to keep flying, but just can't keep up anymore. And, as Kelsey suggests, they can keep flying dual instruction... That's not what this sounded like though, this seemed more profound. Like you, I thought maybe he was having a medical issue that was leaving him confused. On a slightly different topic, I've heard a few videos where someone doesn't seem to be able to fly a vector... but I've never heard ATC ask them to check their DG against their compass... When this guy was flying a reciprocal heading from the vector, I thought at first maybe his DG was just set 180° off. With GA light airplanes, seems like something ATC might have the pilot check...

[@robmc1232]

I was about to comment exactly that. I was thinking TIA after the way he sounded frustrated with himself (just after he had to use the emergency brake). I've seen a TIA in progress - the confusion, coupled with frustration because one part of the brain KNOWS the other part isn't cooperating.

[@mgscheue]

Yes, something strange going on, there. He can’t possibly have been this incompetent and been flying into there for 14 years.

[@jaysmith1408]

I flew out of a field several times, maybe a couple dozen or so. Moved to another state. Flew back for a conference, and advised the more experienced PF how the flow worked, arrivals, field ops, FBO, and departure, as he was unfamiliar. Unless you go to dozens or hundreds of different fields in a short span, it’s not that hard to recall certain procedures. Hadn’t flown there in six years, and knew the flow. Missed a taxiway on the ramp, but stopped and was corrected by tower. Now this guy who is allegedly based at Teterboro can’t get a single thing right, outside of taking Echo?

[@HelenaMikas]

Considering age , attitude , he is aggressive as well (not a good sign) .Fact he has a plane there proves he hasn't flown much and has deteriorated hence unfit to continue ..Dr's can be bought ...

[@IntheAirwithC]

Your commentary and narration is gold. Scary what could have happened here, just glad no one was hurt.

[@kpal2946]

I worked a job that required constant radio coms. , I know how frustrated people can get when you get stepped on or people don't engage or disengage the PTT button. This shows the professionalism from the controllers, the pilot seemed as if he had never used the radio let alone following instructions. ATCs never get the thanks that they deserve so THANK YOU Air Traffic Controllers.

[@JohnShalamskas]

The number of times the old guy talked on top of everyone else on the channel was a massive red flag that he was suffering from a considerable cognitive failure. Unfortunately, ATC probably could not hear most of the times he stepped on their transmissions. Perhaps others on the frequency could have informed ATC that someone was repeatedly keying on top of them. He did not follow basic radio protocol. His erratic flight path, confusion, and argumentative behavior are three more red flags. Threats are not going to improve his performance if he is having trouble with basic instructions. ATC would have done much better by declaring a medical emergency and getting him safely on the ground.

[@keithzulu5014]

In the Army where a a base radio op had to communicate with many people in the field who were poorly trained or people having a bad hair day or people having a medical issue (say lead poisoning). The highest likelihood explanation of this guys erratic behavior was a medical emergency (which he could not diagnose himself since it was his brain being effected) and he should have not been treated like he was by the people whose job it was to control the airspace - the Base Communicators. The ATC had very poor situational awareness (did not understand the emergency in their air space) are very poor communicators (kept repeating instructions when they were clearly not understood and used technical jargon instead of simple English). They should be retrained or fired. In the Army, if I acted this way to the troops I would have had a "physical readjustment" performed on me whenever the effected platoon returned to base.

[@JTLaser1]

Having had several family members who had dementia or cognitive decline, I have to wonder if that isn’t what’s happening here. It sneaks up on them and steals their ability to make sense of things. Truly heartbreaking. As a survivor of Stage III Cancer, and a six month tenant of a huge cancer ward, ( 70s, military) I believe I’d choose cancer again. 😢

[@Bright_Broccoli]

I think the pilot needs to go to the doctor and be checked over head to toe.

[@lindaberl3712]

Prayers for your healing.✈️🚁

[@JTLaser1]

@@lindaberl3712 45 year survivor. Thank you, I’ll never take good wishes and caring for granted!❤️

[@SumSouuthernSugar]

Excellent analysis. As an old retired controller I had my share of similar situations.I agree with you. The best course may have been to just treat 6AV as an emergency and put him on the ground even if others were delayed because of it. I understand the stress on the controllers also. They wanted him out of the picture now! Good video.

[@dancarter482]

Was thinking exactly the same - then he got on the ground and started playing demolition derby chicken!

[@f.j.h.4194]

79 and still flying and ferrying Cessna Kings, Barons, singles and an occasional ATR. Have a good co-pilot, my daughter, tho and wouldn't taxi without her. 11000 hours and still going strong. When I start to lose my edge . . . we are going to switch seats and I'm the radio and utility guy. . . co-pilot has 30 years on me.

[@jake_]

Yes, he should lose his license . Flying is a privilege. He doesn't have the skills anymore. That's life. We can't risk an accident because we feel sorry for him.

[@jennyjohn704]

Why should anybody feel sorry for him?

[@d.o.wilkins]

Feeling sorry for one incompetent person is better than feeling sorry for multiple loss of souls

[@10thletter40]

Because flying can be a fun and faster mode of transport. Someone lost their independence ​@@jennyjohn704

[@pollin522]

@@jennyjohn704 I mean, it's entirely possible that he doesn't *know* how badly his mental state has declined. That's kind of a big part of cognitive decline: not always recognizing when it's affecting you. He absolutely needs his license revoked, but I can also empathize with someone who may not fully understand just how far gone they are. I watched my grandparents go through it, and while they were both aware enough (in the beginning, at least) to recognize when they needed to give up driving and such, it certainly wasn't easy. Nobody got hurt here, so it's easier to pity the guy. He 100% should not have been in the air, period, but I can still feel a little sorry for him.

[@keithzulu5014]

Probably lose. Needs a test. Just like the ATC they should probably lose their jobs - they need to be retrained (since they are younger) and retested.

[@Rcgary24]

My favorite part of any of Kelsey's videos is feeling proud of his channel growth just by seeing how fast the view count on any given video goes up while I'm watching it. I'm damn happy to have him here for us breaking things down and letting us know who has good snacks

[@TheGreenCouncil]

Even if he had someone flying with him, you’d be scared he would override you in an emergency with how stubborn he is.

[@hoopslaa5235]

This, who’s gonna be willing to trainer for this guy! He’s too entitled, SAME AS A 24yr old little girl! Entitled old fart so what 14yr tenant?? So what! He’s failing and can’t keep up and can’t use his brian and can’t everything. Cars and guns, he’s gone! Done! Take it all away!

[@JohnShalamskas]

Yes. This is why he should not be at the controls, even with a pilot in the right seat. He WILL get confused and try to do the wrong thing.

[@amylorentson468]

Yikes! I'd be absolutely terrified to share airspace with this man. I really hope that the FAA does step in and do something about him. I absolutely LOVE aviation, but I at least realize that I am sadly not qualified to fly. I hope something is done to keep him SAFELY in the air! I am so glad that I can live vicariously through your channel, and others like it.

[@susankrause107]

When my grandfather was declining in his mental capacity from dementia, it was necessary to take away keys to his truck because it was obvious that he had become a danger to himself and others. He even had trouble with simple tasks that he had done every day of his life. I have a feeling that’s what’s happening with this man. He should not be allowed to fly any more.

[@operacarmen]

❤😥 I wish they find a cure

[@keithzulu5014]

It is a possibility but the spacial disorientation (up/down and left/right) is not a typical symptom of dementia. The highest possibility is a TIA or minor stroke. That is what should be examined first.

[@klsstheglrls]

The other day my instructor was explaining to me that with some of his students he has to hold their hand when giving them directions. Such as telling someone, " turn north, that's to your right", and no matter how he tells them. Some students still manage to get it wrong repeatedly. Even when he puts the desired heading on the compass directly in front of their face, they still don't get it. If a pilot can't follow basic instructions, such as headings, climb and maintain, hold short, then they have no business flying. Sadly, that plane was up and flying a few days ago.

[@Andrew-13579]

There’s so many videos and illustrations about navigation for free on the internet, and so many computer flight simulators…it’s a lot easier than when I learned using only books in ground school.

[@edifyguy]

Apparently the plane has been sold, so almost certainly being flown by someone else.

[@keithzulu5014]

You are correct (3D visualization its called - you have to be able to translate the 2D of the screens to 3D in you head to figure out how to control your aircraft). To get a license every pilot is supposed to have it. This guy did since he had a license, for many years. Why did he then lose it, and so dramatically. From hero to zero: well not zero since he managed to take off without incident and land without bouncing or crashing. As you know the first tasks (and they are possibly the hardest) are to land an aircraft safely and without damage. He did that. The most common reason in a TIA which effected a part of his brain - the part of 3D virtualization and communication and not the motor skill part and mustle memory part of landing a plane in a safe manner including staying in the middle of runways and taxiways.

[@cardigansrule]

my father was a retired navy pilot (A4, A7 ) and flew acro for many years (AC Decathlon, Extra clone, others) well into his 60s. when he had a mild heart event (thankfully caught before full blown arrest) he was able to get his medical back but never renewed his GA and sold his plane. I miss flying with him, but he made the right decision.

[@yoyoglock4]

The ONLY way that guy should fly again is as a passenger.

[@bmr0003]

I saw a version of this comment with a bunch of likes. What’s the point of stealing comments like that? Only thing I can think of is the addiction to the dopamine release when one sees the red notification symbol

[@lolo_o4309]

@@bmr0003 It's a very easy comment to think off (I had the same idea) and doesn't necessarily mean it's stolen...

[@janchovanec8624]

Or a cargo.

[@patersonplankrd]

It is my understanding that ALL pilots MUST read back all instructions and Ident ( Tail or flight number) This pilot FAILED to do this on most transmissions.

[@keithzulu5014]

Yes. One of the signs of the medical emergency that the ATC did not pick up on.

[@kenbrown2808]

until he said he'd been there 14 years, I was ready to suggest he'd never flown out of an airport big enough to have a tower, before.

[@davidcole333]

That was my initial thought also that he was in way over his head and panicked.

[@scottzehrung4829]

Flying into that airport since he was 74 years old, 88 now.

[@theplinkerslodge6361]

Yup, that was the tip-off that he was having an episode.

[@theplinkerslodge6361]

@@scottzehrung4829 Good point...

[@TheShu66y]

I love how Kelsey keeps saying "you'd think its over but no keep listening". Given the severity of this, it's amazing nobody was killed.

[@NCLUSA]

In every walk of life, you will find these people, people that are doing things they should not be doing.

[@electrogrim]

Funny how when it became apparent he was in deep doodoo he suddenly remembered proper radio procedure.

[@tomar81]

No. It was when that Karen stopped talking

[@electrogrim]

@@tomar81 ATC is a Karen? That's brave of you. Why don't you tell them that next tme you talk to them.

[@JohnShalamskas]

@@electrogrim ATC Karen was more interested in showing who was boss than de-escalating the situation and safely getting this guy on the ground.

[@DisneyDancer1990]

This is so scary. I have a family member who recently hung up his wings for a variety of reasons, one of which was some declining memory and reaction skills and this hits a little too close to home in terms of what could have been if he hadn’t decided it was time to pack it up.

[@falxonPSN]

I woke up this morning and listened to this video and now I'm really pissed off. I can't even imagine how the air traffic controllers aren't throwing chairs around the room at this point.

[@eclectichoosier5474]

Controllers are chosen for professionalism and crisis management. Getting upset endangers the other traffic in the area. So you have to pause, make sure he isn't actively endangering other traffic (as much as possible) and get him to a place where the enforcement people can take over. Keep doing your job, for the benefit of the good pilots, and trust the enforcers to take away the bad pilot's plane.

[@hb-man]

Yes, keep the arguments and the yelling off frequency, as that isn't at all improving the situation for the already stressed pilot. Put your nicest customer service smile on and get that guy somewhere safe ASAP, saving his life (for the later argument and yelling if deemed reasonable) and that of innocent others.

[@peteranninos2506]

FWIW, I had a good friend who just hung up his wings at 97! Sharp as a tack but just decided it was time. I've also listened to pilots in their 30's who get so task saturated, in easy VFR conditions, they just cant do anything and basically freeze. In the LA area, you can't be that way.

[@AB-80X]

I don't care who you are. Nobody should fly at that age. The guy in this video is 88, and nobody should be allowed to fly at that age. It's that simple.

[@mysticknight9711]

I was on a jet flight from Philadelphia to Albany in 1988 - we had already turned onto the departure runway and the plane was at high throttle accelerating for takeoff … 1/3 the way down the runway, the pilot put full on brakes … came on the intercom, and stated (calmly) “sorry folks, another aircraft just cross the runway in front of us”

[@John-fv3pt]

I am not a pilot, but if I lost my brakes, wouldn't it be preferable to swerve onto the grass and stay there until stopped ?

[@zachdebuhr6347]

​@@John-fv3pt grass doesn't really slow you down. It's like going off a racetrack onto grass with a car, you just keep coasting

[@John-fv3pt]

@@zachdebuhr6347 ok, fair enough, thanks

[@tengonadacluewhatsgutsprec1419]

​​@@John-fv3pt grass is really only good at stopping skaters, even bikes arnt affected much; with cars and planes it's basically the same as (or worse than) rolling on tarmac. It can make a situation worse because of unlevel ground sending a vehicle into a flip.

[@mal2ksc]

@@tengonadacluewhatsgutsprec1419 About the only good thing about running off the track is that you're less likely to have someone drive straight up your backside. It still happens though -- whatever made you slide may make the next guy slide too.

[@StanWatt.]

I suggest he flies with Windows Flight Simulator after he loses his licence.

[@Danimalpm1]

Don’t think I’ve ever heard it called Windows Flight Simulator before but he’d likely struggle with that too.

[@sadoo0797]

My dad is 77 retired, so now that I have my licenses i take him up on hamburger flights and let the old man have his fun up there. I think that’s the way to go for this guy too.

[@sadoo0797]

Just to clarify I think my dad is fully capable of flying by himself even more so than I, but he does have health issues in his old age I just want to keep my pops safe is all

[@channaw.3538]

@@sadoo0797 you’re doing the right thing for all the pilots out there as safety come first before anything else, and you’re doing one of the most loving things for your dad by honoring him by not stepping on his dignity, yet being there just as a safety pilot. Bid you’ll good flying weather!!

[@HapticFrequencies]

Thanks for your candor & compassion. Flying is a privilege, whether pilot or passenger, & sometimes, I believe, both parties forget it as such...

[@MyrtleBeachGolfLife]

As a retired class 1 Railroad, I love hearing these radio interactions. It’s has many similarities, but we only get 1 chance or we’re fired

[@CaptainSeato]

>wants Runway 24, conveniently close to where he parks/stores his aircraft >gets Runway 19 instead >brakes conveniently "fail" en route to where he wants to go, pre-empting other traffic Yeah, no, his license should be revoked, especially in light of his instinctively-defense-and-entirely-unnecessary , reeking of entitlement, "I'm a tenant here! I've been here for 14 years!"

[@vanbraxton8422]

We should get an update later as to what happened to this pilot, please, if possible 😊

[@ninedaysjane2466]

@@vanbraxton8422 I don't think there's a way to track an FAA pilot investigation. He's the owner of the plane and it's flown again since this incident. The only way to track his status would be to periodically check the FAA's Airmen Certification Information database. It's down at the moment.

[@ChauncyFatsack]

@@ninedaysjane2466 he's 88 years old

[@johnmay2786]

Perhaps he was dying for a p**s, as that can put you off your game. Seriously I totally agree with you.

[@megaisepic_]

Kelsey is being held hostage again lol

[@patrickfreeman205]

They tricked him. Told him there would be free snacks. 😂

[@boebishop405]

My first thought is that he is having a mental issue, and the controller may not know it yet. This seems like an emergency situation that they need to get him on the ground and out of the way and address anything else while everyone is safe

[@MckIdyll]

This is aging. I am in the same boat and I can hear it in the fellow's voice. None of us is immune to it. His flying days are so over.

[@iansouthward7991]

I heard the whole of this and yes he needs to have his licence taken from him. Not once not twice but multiple times he defied ATC's instructions. I initially thought he may have been on drugs thats how bad it was. The full version is also available on YT.

[@Meow-io3dh]

Maybe it’s the onset of dementia or something too

[@HelenaMikas]

Being a danger to self is one thing .Being incapable to others is a no licence ever again in my book .He had no idea how to speak to the tower .No licence at all..

[@HelenaMikas]

@iansouthward7991 Where will I. find the full version ?..

[@OwnedByACatNamedC.C.]

@@HelenaMikasjust do a KZbin search, using words like “pilot deviation Teterboro airport” or something similar to that phrasing.

[@HelenaMikas]

@@OwnedByACatNamedC.C. Thanks have tried similar so will search again. Thanks :)

[@marymonson2187]

This is the first time I have seen Kelsey really riled up and justifiably so. It’s pilots like this one, that should never be able to fly again! Another great video Kelsey! ❤❤❤

[@rufus102]

you should see him when there's no snacks on board!

[@JohnShalamskas]

@@rufus102 Or when someone takes the last PB&J after Kelsey EXPRESSLY claimed dibs on it.

[@HapticFrequencies]

As a medically trained, professional Neuro-Cognitive & Lingusitic Scientist who performs diagnostic evaluations & sub-acute treatment status post-neurological events i.e. Strokes, Traumatic Brain Injury, central nervous system infections, brain tumor re-sections, Guillian-Barré Syndrome, etc, for 22+ yrs, the MOST significant factor in all of this, is that he professes a 14-yr relationship with this specific airport, yet for some reason, is exhibiting profound difficulty with pretty much every single aspect of which is important to being a competent & safe pilot. Perhaps he was experiencing a Neurological emergency of his own, with the very poor or inability to self-regulate & be self-aware of the ripple effects he alone was creating in the air & on the ground. I do hope he was medically evaluated immediately after this event. It is obviously not unheard of for pilots to experience life-threatening medical emergencies during a flight. As a matter of fact, post-'cv19' mandates & such, Pilot medical emergencies/deaths in air, have occurred at an alarmingly increased rate as compared to the previous 5 yrs prior.

[@kiri101]

There were some subtler incongruencies or warning signs I spotted. He started keying the microphone almost every time someone communicated on the radio or read his callsign, like an instinctive acknowledgement that someone was trying to communicate with him but he was confused. He seemed elated to be back on the ground despite obviously being in trouble with ATC and by extension potentially the FAA, it seemed very out of context unless it was sheer relief from the cognitive load of being in the air.

[@anotherkatiek]

Input this: He's 88 years old.

[@steveanderson9290]

That tone is called a "heterodyne". Its audible frequency is the difference between the carrier frequencies of the two transmitters that are mixing.

[@gruffy4967]

Thanks, live another day, learn another fact. 😊

[@bicivelo]

Another fun fact. The NASA beep used during the Apollo missions (and probably more) is known as the “Quindar tone” 😊

[@Outworlder]

Interesting. I thought "heterodyne" was a thing for FM transmissions, and this is AM

[@HiddenWindshield]

@@Outworlder "Heterodyne" is what occurs when _any_ two EM waves add. If the two frequencies are close enough, it just happens to produce a tone that's within the human hearing range.

[@jamesphillips2285]

@@Outworlder The superheterodyne circuit is just a common way of building radios: AM or FM. It uses an intermediate frequency that can be narrowly tuned, which is them mixed with the target frequency.

[@gregoryrennicker1100]

Just when you think he's done, "But wait! There's more!"

[@LMace-su4if]

I’m 75 yo and quit flying about 35 years ago. I only have about 600 hours but would not even think about getting in plane again, unless I had an instructor aboard and ready for a lot of practice. Actually since I know I’m already suffering from short term memory loss, I don’t think it is even a good idea to even consider flying again. I just gave up mountain biking due to injuries. So flying is not even on my radar.

[@gdaddy5193]

I guess I'm echoing others. I'm 69 and have been talking to my former flight instructor who recently retired 777 senior captain. He wants me to get back into flying. He's getting his CFI again and offered to get me back up to speed. I was known in the day as an exceptional pilot and had been encouraged to become a commercial pilot. The one thing I asked was. Be as tough on me as you would a 19 year old novice. Do not spare my feelings nor worry about my ego. My ego (or lack of ego) won't be bruised if I can't cut it anymore. He assured me he wouldn't let me kill myself or endanger anyone else. Side note ... my friend gets a kick out of the fact I've flown more types than he has. And he was also a commercial helicopter pilot. I love aviation. So much so ... If I can't be the best ... I'll hang it up.