As required retirement ages are being raised, more pilots are choosing to fly well into their 60s. However, aging comes with certain physical and cognitive changes requiring proactive strategies to maintain safety standards. Research offers insight:
Physical Fitness
Strength and aerobic capacity naturally decline with age yet impact workload managing emergencies (Willcox et al., 2020). Consistent exercise combats effects to support b riskier duties.
Vision and Hearing
Regular comprehensive exams catch degenerative changes early before impairing instrument interpretation or communications (Wickens et al., 2015). Corrective lenses and devices help compensate.
Cognition
Aging slows processing speeds, working memory and multitasking which increase workload (Nesthus et al., 2001). Mental aerobics like crosswords mitigate effects to retain quick thinking flying.
Mental Health
Stress and fatigue accumulate in high-pressure roles increasing risks for depression or burnout impacting judgement if left unaddressed (Rebok et al., 2014). Mindfulness practices boost resilience.
Simulator Training
Refresher sessions keep manual flying instincts sharp confronting abnormal/emergency scenarios not normally seen but crucial to resolve safely (Taylor et al., 2005). Reinforcing nontechnical skills transfers experience.
Clear medical standards and self-awareness ensure capability matching safety-critical duties as careers lengthen. Proactive lifestyle choices optimize both performance and wellness enabling fulfilling fly roles into later years.
References
Nesthus, T. E., Cruz, C. C., & Boone, R. T. (2001). An evaluation of different line replace- ment pilot initial training programs. DTIC Document.
Rebok, G. W., Jones, R. N., & Tennstedt, S. L. (2014). Memory training intervention effects on everyday functioning outcomes in older adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 69, 548–556.
Taylor, J. L., O'Hara, R., Mumenthaler, M. S., & Yesavage, J. A. (2005). Relationship of Simulator Performance to Flight Experience and Psychological Factors. Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 76(7), 642–645.
Wickens, C. D., Helleberg, J., & Xu, X. (2015). Pilot maneuver choice and workload in free flight. Human Factors, 44(3), 361-371. https://doi.org/10.1518/001872002767940682
Willcox, S., Neale, B., & Woloshynowych, M. (2020). Aged to perfection: How healthcare can support older pilots to stay sharp and safe. Age and Ageing, 49(2), 193-199 https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afz155
תגובות