Dr Ian Perry must be more specific when he says "medical papers and research support" raising pilot retirement age to 65 (Flight International, 22-28 October).
I assume that the Joint Aviation Authorities has examined the over-60 pilot's ability to adopt to changing time zones. I assume they have examined the ability of the over-60 pilot to work in the in the 5,000-6.000ft (1,525-1,830m) environment. I assume they have examined the reduction in those vital reflexes that comes with age. I assume they have studied the reduction in night vision that comes with age. Lastly, I assume they have studied the ability of the over-60 pilot to learn to fly a new type.
The medical community's role is to look for causes that could lead to incapacitation. This does not make it an authority on pilot performance, nor on retirement age.
Alexander Maroudis Athens, Greece
Source: Flight International
