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Step into the cockpit with John, a veteran pilot with 51 years of flying experience and 39 years in commercial aviation. His journey through the skies spans 53 different aircraft types and countless adventures that illuminate both the joys and challenges of a life spent above the clouds.
The conversation tackles a controversial topic in aviation: the mandatory retirement age of 65 for commercial airline pilots. John argues this represents outdated age discrimination, particularly as pilots undergo rigorous medical exams every six months and proficiency checks regularly. Why should capable, experienced pilots be forced to ground themselves when they can still pass every test thrown their way? The timing seems especially problematic given the industry's current struggle with pilot shortages.
Wildlife encounters feature prominently as John shares hair-raising stories about birds, rabbits, and other creatures meeting unfortunate ends in aircraft engines. One particularly memorable incident involved geese being "cooked" in an engine after a strike, filling the cabin with smoke and necessitating an emergency return. Despite these challenges, John maintains that "the best flight is boring and uneventful."
The episode offers rare glimpses into pilot culture, from judging colleagues' aircraft walk-arounds to dealing with problematic flight attendants. In one hilarious exchange, a co-pilot responded to repeated cabin calls about a passenger vomiting by asking with perfect deadpan delivery: "What color is the vomit?" claiming it was now required information. The camaraderie and humor that sustain aviation professionals through challenging situations shines throughout these stories.
What emerges is a passionate case for valuing experience in the cockpit. As one host observes about flying with veteran pilots during turbulence: "Never did I think twice about it when you and Chris are up in the cockpit." In an industry where split-second decisions matter, perhaps we should reconsider rules that prioritize age over demonstrated ability.

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