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I delivered my little Cessna Cardinal to its new owner today. He was thrilled and sent me a picture of her by the new hangar. He is in his fifties and is eager to return to flying after a long hiatus. I hope it will be the start of a great adventure for him and his family. It may be the only plane he ever owns, or like me, he may go on to have the privilege of close relationships with many.
The new owner was thrilled and sent me a picture of the Cardinal by its new hangar.
There has been a buzz around the airport about this event. Like many local GA airports, we have a group of pilots (mostly older, retired aircraft owners) who congregate most days in one hangar or another. Typical conversations are just what you might imagine; aerial exploits lead the list followed by life stories and lessons and what’s wrong with the world today. (Somebody once said that there are two things that pilots hate; the way things are and change.) My flying friends wanted to know why…why am I selling my plane when I’m in good health, have no financial issues, and love to be up in the sky? The answer itself is simple, the construct more complex. The reason is that it is time. This story is how I came to that decision.
I have loved flying longer than I can remember. There are pictures of me in the back cockpit of my dad’s war surplus PT-19 and the rear seat of a rented PA-12. I was too young to remember the PT flights but the Cub? Well, the feeling of rumbling across the turf and then the sudden smoothness of flight made an indelible imprint on my eight-year-old brain. As for me being at the controls, it took some time.
The feeling of rumbling across the turf and then the sudden smoothness of flight made an indelible imprint on my eight-year-old brain.
In spring of 1967 I soloed after eight hours of dual and received my ticket that fall. The written test had 25 questions and the hardest thing on the practical was explaining what VOR was and how it worked. Various life events came along to make getting in the air difficult but I almost always managed. There is an entry in my logbook of a flight in a rented Cherokee in May of 1969 in Columbus, GA. That was in the middle of Infantry Officers Candidate School at Ft. Benning. So I took some of the precious time we were allowed away from that earthly version of Hell to get aloft. Over the years there have been dry spells but not enough to keep me from accumulating close to 5,000 hours.
Other logbook entries weave a story of the experiences only general aviation can bring.
Other logbook entries weave a story of the experiences only general aviation can bring:
- Renting an old Luscombe to save money only to find out she was there to teach me how to be gentle on the stick.
- First cross country to California from Illinois.
- First loop in the Citabria.
- Rudder stomping landings in the Cessna 180 that hated to stay in a straight line on the ground.
- Crossing Lake Michigan instead of going around it because I had earned my Multi and bought a sweet old Baron.
It hasn’t been all McGee touch the face of God poetry. There was the time I first saw ice on the wing in IMC. And then the landing near Palm Springs when I became a test pilot for the 182RG crosswind component. There is always going to be some “pucker factor” stuff if you fly long enough. And that’s it isn’t it?
The flying we do is not all that difficult. If nothing goes wrong or an extraordinary incident doesn’t pop up our skills are never really challenged or for that matter honed. What counts is how quickly and precisely we react when something does happen and the confidence we will do it correctly. It’s no secret that reaction times slow with age. In the drone racing world 30 is a grandpa. Older pilots are fond of saying what they have lost in quickness they make up for in skill. To some extent that is true. Those skills, however, need to be practiced. How many pilots do you know who count flying their favorite CFI to lunch as a Flight Review? I won’t wander off on that one now but just offer that even with some practice at some point both skill and quickness will decline. It is different for everyone and chronological age is not the only factor. I know some pilots in their 80’s with whom I would gladly fly. So why did I decide just shy of 80 to hang up my headset?
Here are the factors for me. You may see some of them coming or yours might be different but to keep GA safer please pay attention to yours. Alone none of these mean much but together they told me a story.
Even though my eyes still test 20-20 with glasses, I began to have some difficulty identifying traffic. Often passengers were pointing out bogies before I spotted them.
At times I would glance at the panel and incorrectly identify a gauge or switch, only for a second but it was there. Once or twice, I couldn’t remember how to find the page I wanted on a Garmin radio with which I had 20 years’ experience.
I was beginning to make small mistakes when copying clearances or even remembering frequencies-an incorrect digit, a readback that faltered or wasn’t perfect. Infrequent but noticeable.
Then there was the fatigue factor. I was no longer able to sit and stay focused for much more than an hour. 10 years ago, I would fly to California with stops every four hours and feel fine when I arrived.
And don’t laugh, my landings were getting worse and worse. Probably depth perception changes, but extremely frustrating. I was mentoring two young people who were vitally interested in flying by letting them fly from the right seat. How embarrassing that I couldn’t score a 9 or 10 on each landing. As we know, landing is a combination of hand/eye coordination and muscle memory. One of those was slipping away.
My landings were getting worse and worse – depth perception changes.
Finally, there was a pilot in our group who went on too long. He was dangerous and we all knew it. Subtle hints didn’t work. Just before we staged an intervention, it self-corrected by him exiting the taxiway and hitting a taxi light for no apparent reason. His family insisted that he stop.
I guess the summary in my mind was: If the big test does come; the fire in the cockpit, the engine out on takeoff or even the badly bounced landing-would my reaction be fast enough and would my response be correct. I was no longer sure.
I have always loved everything aviation down to the smallest representation of a flying machine. When I was nine or ten I came across a contest in the local park where mature people were flying rubber powered models made of balsa and covered in beautiful tinted tissue. I was enthralled. They would wind those rubber motors with something that looked like a weird eggbeater then just toss them into the sky. They flew and circled and with luck came back to the ground within the park. With quite of bit of bravery for a kid my age in 1954, I summoned the courage to approach a contestant. I had a burning question. I asked him when do you stop winding that long rubber band. He said: “Right before it breaks.”
I can think of no better way to describe my decision. Am I sad? A little. I Will certainly miss those early morning flights over beautiful fall leaves and many other experiences that only we who fly GA can gather. But it is the right time. Safety for ourselves and others is something that cannot be compromised. If you have the slightest feeling that you may be starting to lose a step, as they say in the sports world, please pay attention to the little voice in your head. Stop winding before the rubber band breaks.
missing only a few states. Now retired from full scale aviation and corporate life, he flies vintage RC airplanes at meets with his son, Mike. This story is dedicated to his Intelligent, beautiful wife Janet who has had the good grace to never multiply $175 X 5,000 and Dennis L. Brown, the best flight instructor on earth.
- Rubber bands – the reason I quit - April 10, 2024
What a poetic way to express when it’s time to stop ‘aviating’. There are a few other activities I can now identify where I should “Stop before the rubber band breaks!”
Thanks for the comment Dale. Happy flying!
Thank you Walt for explaining in a way so easy to understand your reason for not continuing to fly your own airship. I appreciate all your experience and your Service to our Beautiful Country. I wish I could enjoy hangar talk with you and your Friends. I love it.
Thank you again, and may you continue to enjoy your flying buddies.
JTS
Hey JTS,
Not sure you enjoy that lot, haha. Thanks for your thoughtful comment…W
Thank you for that poignant, thoughtful goodbye, Walt. Please remember that just because you are hanging up your spurs you don’t have to give up flying. Give me a shout anytime; I’d be happy to be your seeing-eye pilot.
Hey Mark, Thanks for your kind remarks and the generous offer!
The story relates to my giving up my horse, giving. up my sailboat, giving up my skis and giving up my hiking boots. Also giving up building small wood boats. The old order passes making way for new.
Yes Mike, we do give up things as we age. I think the task is to still try to keep the scope as wide as possible while being safe. Flying RC still keeps my eye on the sky.
I am also watching the rubber band and wondering… at 76 and over fifty years of flying have a had enough..??? Time to maybe ponder… maybe my myopia doesn’t see the stretching of the rubber band
Thanks for the wonderful thoughts
Hi Skip,
Even though you might not be ready to stop now, you are starting a thoughtful process that will help you make the decision.
Well said. I got my Private in ‘69 and had 3000 hours when I stopped flying solo very recently for many of the same reasons and emotions you expressed. My ex partners will invite me along on flights now and then as I will pay for the fuel and that has helped me wean myself from something that has been so central to my being for over 50 years. Thanks for sharing your thoughts so candidly.
Hey Shane,
We are both lucky to have friends that will help us continue to get off the ground. Glad the rubber band didn’t break before you quit. W
Hello Walt, after all that time I can’t imagine just walking away from it. So what are your plans to remain there involved without actually flying? Best of luck whatever you do. Anthony Chaiken
Well, I am trying to regain some skill in flying RC. Mostly vintage models from the 70’s era. It is coming back but slowly. At times I think its harder that full scale!
Walt: Thanks for writing this. Such a beautiful expression of self-awareness and wisdom. It’s uncomfortable to bump up against our finitude, but pretending it ain’t true only makes it worse. Sharing your story helps the rest of us feel less alone in all the letting go life requires of us. Thank you.
Kevin,
Thanks for the kind words. I think our job while we age is to keep pushing out on the boundaries that conspire to constrict us. The trick is to find ways to do it safely….W
Walt, thank you for the perspective you’ve given me on flying! After receiving my private ticket at 17, having life interrupt my flying 40 years, and resuming on a 20 hour/year trajectory, my total time = only 220 hrs! My health is still good at 67 yrs and hope to experience at least one long cross country before making “the decision!” Thanks for sharing!!
Dan,
Good luck on that long cross country. IMHO they are the best joy in GA! W
Walt, I’m one of those 50 year olds with a new license & plane, and I still fret I got into the game with too little flight time ahead of me. But… when I do hang up my certificate, you can bet your bottom dollar I’m jumping into Microsoft Flight Simulator 20XX, strapping on my VR headset, powering up my motion platform and “flying”.
I was a late bloomer and got my
PPL at 54. I bought an Ercoupe and tried to make up for lost time. I’m 73 now and have 1880 hours and I’ve landed at 250 different airports, getting to see things only we GA pilots are privileged to see. I’m slowing down because of illness, and even though I’m coming back, I’m considering hanging up the headset soon. But it’s sure hard to do. Without my plane I’m just a normal person.
Well said Larry. We know that we pilots aren’t normal. Just watch a social gathering when two people discover that both are pilots!
Great article. I’m still been flying and skiing at 82 but the time will come when both of these passions will be just memories.
Best of life for you and your friends and family Walt.
Your article rang most of my bells. I am 81, with over 30,000 hrs, retired airline, aircraft builder and 172 owner. I have flown over 1100 young eagles flights along with corporate flying since mandatory airline retirement. My talent has been being an excellent pilot, while never being as good at other endeavors. I wish learning to play the piano, my latest hobby, was as easy as learning to fly was for me.
For the past several years I have become more restrictive with my single engine flying. No low minimum IFR, no night, no over water, etc. Bottom line, I never want to be in a position of saying “why did I do this”.
So the end is coming for me as well, and once I make the decision to sell the 172, it will probably be a relief, rather than a sorrow.
Thanks for the thoughtful article.
Tom,
You are thinking things through as did I. You ever notice when somebody has an engine out and lands on the freeway or a golf course the article leads with the pilot’s age? BTW thanks for the Young Eagles, that is a great service to GA. W
Beautifully written!
Elder brother, I salute you.
Thanks Greg….
Good for you for having the self awareness to stop before you made a big mistake. My father did not. Even though he was still ski racing, I noticed that his flying was becoming inconsistent. I told an examiner my concerns, hoping he would pull my dad’s privileges, but he cleared him on his flight review. I was afraid to insult him because he had decades more flying experience than me and thousands more hours. He probably would have told me off. But now I will never know.
Fast forward to today, and I’m doing many “familiarization” flights with a 17,000 hour, 74 yo ATP pilot who is buying one of my aircrafts. I think he will be fine, but I could have taught a 20 year old with zero hours to solo in it by now….
Rick,
It sounds as if your father may have met with an air tragedy. If so, I am deeply sorry for you and you family. As for your current situation I understand that also. Best to you,,,W
Walt. I think im close to your point in time, you just make it more clear. There’s an old saying that the two happiest days in your life are when you buy your boat and the second happiest when you sell it. I’m sure that applies to airplanes as well. I to have a Cardinal ll. It will not be one of my happiest days to walk away from it
Thanks
I admire and commend you for both your decision to quit and the logic used to make it. Also, after reading your article, you should definitely continue to write aviation articles and share personal experiences until you can no longer tap the keyboard. The vivid and concise way you communicate makes reading a pleasure !
Hi Joe,
Thanks for the compliments. I have written other aviation themed pieces but this one was easy because it was straight from the heart. W
Only use one eye. That’s what I have done since 1967. 14500 hours crop dusting. Up to 10 landings a hour.
Wow,
Amazing experience-I couldn’t have flown even one of those missions.
I’ve watched those crop dusters fly their rounds many an afternoon from the cockpit of my sailboat, while cruising in the Chesapeake (at 4 knots airspeed). Those fellows turn on a dime and make what is basically work look more like art.
Wonderful writing. If we lived closer I’d love to invite you along on some trips in the CJ3 right seat and have lunch at my milk run destinations, share some flying stories, talk RC & solve the world’s problems. Hopefully I have enough time left to get to be able to retire ok and then a bit of sport aviation but I’m mindful now of the rubber band.
Hey Duane,
Thanks! That would be great. BTW, I am in AZ for three months a year if that is any closer to your base. Being mindful of the rubber band will be your Attitude Indicator. W
One of my regular trips is to Scottsdale as the boss has a home there to escape Rapid City SD winters. The plane is a CJ3+ which has a truly spectacular climb rate and awesome G3000. I love sharing it with folks and have used the right seat of my single pilot jets to mentor and give flight time to a half dozen or so young pilots over the years. It could happen Walt!
Walt,
Thank you for such a well presented article on such a difficult subject. Sharing your process was an incalculable asset to all of us who, like you, will have to make that discussion one day. I salute and commend you for not only your decision but for poignantly sharing what goes into it and the ramifications along with it.
You are a consummate aviator sir.
Frank,
No higher compliment than your last line…Thank You!
Walt: A story so closely connected to my thoughts. I sold my Cardinal in 2017, when I was turning 80 and we were moving from NJ to CA. I thought I’d buy another Cardinal in CA more suited for the terrain…. Didn’t happen. But I did continue in CAP, as a Lt Colonel, eager to keep introducing the cadets into piloting. But I had a parking lot accident, which left me with slower mobility, and unable to exit the aircraft in an emergency fast enough to protect the cadets. I look at the blue skies here with nostalgia, and although I do fly right-hand seat now and then, I so wish to be up there again. In my dreams still….
Frank,
Like you, I am happy to have friends who offer the right seat time. Now our problem is going to be what to do when we see their skills decline. Hmmm.
Well written personal reflection, Walt. I too, as many of your readers, am approaching that decision point. I too love introducing young people (that’s anybody younger than 71) to aviation and hopefully instilling the passion in them that we pilots feel. But that passion must be tempered to not result in over-cranking that rubber band. Thank you for adding to my personal ADM matrix!
Hey Chris,
I can tell that you will know the right time…have fun with those youngster’s until then. W
Walt,
As a new pilot at 58, I can’t imagine giving it up. With you and others leading the way we all at least have the information to know there will be a time for all of us to one day hang it up and let the younger guys and gals fly us around. Take care and if you are ever in Texas I would be proud to meet you and go on a little flight over our lovely lake out by KCRS airport.
Hi Mark,
A nice offer. I have been to KCRS about 20 years ago when I was working for a company trying to breath life back into Moony over in Kerrville. W
Am thrilled that you took time to write of your Flight life. I knew you LOVED flying, and this put all things in perspective. So glad you were able to enjoy flying, especially with your Dad too. What joy comes in flying micro with Michael now. Thanks for sharing your heart… Blessings, Judy
Thanks for the kind words Judy. Yes a new chapter now – to enjoy on the ground looking up.
While you and your passengers benefited from your flying skillls over the years, we all benefit from your thoughts now. I know I’m curious about the 11 airplanes and all those cross-countries. Please continue to share your insights with those of us still “winding the rubber band”.
Hi James,
Thanks for the encouragement. I do have a few stories as alluded to in this one. Mostly about the personalities of the different airplanes. From the sweet Archer who wouldn’t bite even if provoked to the Cessna 180 who wanted to tear the cuffs off of your pants on every landing. W
Walt,
I am sure ALL of us would LOVE to hear some of your flying and airplane ownership stories. If we can’t fly due to weather or something else, talking and reading about flying is an elixir for the soul!
Thanks for your service and the great read!
I hope I die before I can’t fly.
Great article!
A very difficult – and very personal decision – for every pilot.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and providing good advice.
Hi Walt. Enjoyed reading of the sentiments that went behind your decision to “retire”. I’m sure many of us older guys are hard pressed to meet the standards you set for yourself, e.g. 9-10 rated landings. But, as you know, I am unable to walk away from it yet, and am enjoying the “new” airplane while exorcising the squaks. While I had a great instructor work with me on my flight review and transition training, I would like to learn more about the instructor you referenced in your article. I’ve learned something new from every instructor I’ve ever flown with. Hope to see you when you return from AZ.
Walt: Thank you for writing this. I’m also wondering the same thing and your criteria are mine as well: less able to see other traffic and some landings are not a 9/10. Very frustrating. Thank you for your openness and transparency here.
Walt, when I retired from professional flying, I quoted Vin Scully, “I’m not going to weep because it’s over, I’m going to smile because it happened.” As I approach the day I’ll make the same decision as you and retire my C-180, I plan to say the same thing. My God, how fortunate we are. Way to go, man. I think we all want our last flight to be planned… not a surprise we didn’t see coming.
Hey Jeff,
You said much more succinctly than I…When its time just look back on all the fun and be glad for it. W
Hey Walt
Thanks for the wake up call but I am not going to give it up ……at 78 and 10k hours A CFI and A&P……I still have a lot to give to the community.
FAA allows CFIs to continue flying with no medical as long as they are not PIC
I remember that my Comm. ground instructor was a talented knowledgeable instructor at the ripe old age of 88…….He motivated my class…..back in 1969.
I have cut back on night and IFR and Multi dual because I know it would be too much for me now..
Advanced training and Flight reviews as well as IPC are still good…..
Being a little annal I logged over 23,000 landings dual, PIC and as a crew over the years……and I still make some crappy landings once and a while with people watching!!!
So as long as I could see where I am going I still want to stay involved as well as doing owner assisted annual inspections….and helping pilots buy aircraft..
The younger people need us to give them our wisdom and knowledge and keep them out of trouble……A a former FAA inspector I have seen the bad side of our amazing industry……
So no Walt I still am involved……But thanks for the article and I hope you still stay somewhat involved…….and like my Comm ground school instructor Jack back in 1969 gave me the enthusiasm to go all the way and I have always respected him……
and marveled at his knowledge…..He was 88 in 1969 making him born before the invention of the aircraft…He even mentioned he remembered when the Wright brother impressed the world with the first flight in 1903….Imagine he knew a few WW1 pilots and got involved in aviation back then…
So do not give it all up….We need your knowledge to give back for the kids….
Thanks
I’m only 65, and I’ve decided it’s pretty much that time for me. I’d already given up my commercial flying when I blew two easy practice approaches during a Part 135 check ride. (I failed the ride, of course.) I’m considering getting my glider rating – I can probably handle that for another decade or so.
Morning Mr Catlow
The rubber band to tight! I do remember trying to get one more wind on the prop.
I too earned my ppc in 1966, out of KTOA. After building some flight time and finishing college. My Uncle sent me an invitation for service.
In your story you hit a nerve from the past. I was at Ft Benning, NCO, shake n bake, 1970. Across from the jump towers. After Ft Benning, off to Ft Carson for OJT. In Colorado I found time to fly out of KALS with my Uncle over the great sand dunes.
My flight time has been low compared to your experience. But my love of aviation is at the top of my list. At 77 I’m thinking when is the right time to, “not rewind the rubber band”.
Your story has made me think of my reality and the last entry in my log book.
Thank you for your service and sharing you GA story.
Dan
Dan,
Those jump towers always scared me as the Drill Instructors “forcefully” recruited for Airborne. I’m glad that you are considering that last entry. At least we know that we are the ones who will make it not a surviving spouse or relative. W
Good on you Walt. I’m one week shy of 7-0, and still chipping away at it, 53 years later. Flying a 421 and an Epic, and instructing most days. Right now, I’m the guy doing the flight reviews, and occasionally having “the talk” with the more, ahem, senior members of our local aviation community. So far, so good but I’m carefully watching for signs of deteriorating skills.
My philosophy has always been that of Dr. Seuss… “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened “.
Cheers, Drew
Well said Drew. It sounds like you are giving the gift of keeping GA safe and having fun. Thanks!
Great explanation of reaching the decision and helpful as I draw ever closer. Also 1968 PPL, the answer is not just yet in spite of having passed the 80 mark. Insurance company tries to help with large annual rate increases but haven’t required a babysitter – yet. The Deb is an old friend of almost 40 years, rather than sell I hope one of the younger family members restarts their flight training. If so, easy gifting decision .
Good landings continue this year, important when living on an airport because your wife may be critiquing and has asked the same ‘how will you know’ question.
Yep, your thoughts and observations have mirrored mine exactly So you must be right.
Stephen, you must be very intelligent! W
Walt, congratulations on a long, successful tenure in aviation. I commend you for having the understanding to make the change “while you’re ahead.” It is a tough choice but better to be self-aware than to be a cautionary tale. There remain lots of ways to stay active and involved as you know—wishing you all the best on this next chapter!
Amy, Thanks for the good wishes. I am enjoying teaching others to fly RC. It is a challenging and rewarding project. W
That was so thoughtful and well written, thank you for sharing this. I’m a few decades behind you but it’s on my mind. There are so many senior pilots flying my particular type, and while I’m not sure if there’s a correlation between their ages and the accident statistics, absolutely certain is that good planes are becoming less airworthy as they’re hardly being flown. I know several that are flown maybe an hour a month. Others that are not flown at all. It’s great that you made a connection with your plane’s buyer. I think more senior pilots would feel comfortable letting go if they made those kind of connections and stayed on as mentors for the new owners. I reached out to an owner at my field who is nearly 80… one hour flown in the past 3 months. He has no plans to sell at least for the next few years. What’s going to happen to that beautiful plane? Nothing good.
Rob, you bring up a whole new facet of this decision making process. I flew 54 hours last year and felt that was just enough to stay proficient. It sounds like we are both surrounded by aircraft that are dying of disuse. The hangar across from me hides a Turbo-XXXX that flew 3 hours between the last two annual inspections. No matter how well you know the plane…that’s not enough! W
Walt, I can sympathize with you, having hung up my flying boots too, albeit a few years ago. A few errors that I know were my slow reactions. I decided to take control of the decision to leave my life’s passion, rather than possible certificate action or worse that would cede that control to someone else.
I still enjoy my desktop simulator, and am mentoring some student pilots (with their CFI’s in the loop).
Good for you Bruce. You said it well. After years of making critical air related decisions, why let the last one fall to someone else? Thanks for continuing to mentor. We need new people and ideas. W
EXCELLENT article! I too knew flying was in my future at a very young age.
Washed and waxed airplanes Saturday mornings at the local field to pay for flight lessons. Solo on 16th BD (1975), PPL on 17th, CFII, MEL, ATP followed. Built and flew two experimental homebuilts (VARI EZE and Steen Skybolt) while in high school. Hired at a major flag carrier at 24. Captain at 35. Never dented/ damaged an airplane or passenger – Admittedly, a close call or two…
Unfortunately, the end of my flying days were not my decision, as I was diagnosed with a brain tumor (GBM) with three young children at 37. Thanks to the powers that be, I have been blessed with seeing my offspring grow, marry, and make me a grandfather at 63. Due to the tumor / stroke, I had to give up my greatest loves: flying, , skiing, sailing, and building homebuilt airplanes. (kept my wife of 46 years.) Certainly no complaints on my past 23 years of retirement. As I see it, I got out in just in time (passenger insanity). Wouldn’t change a thing.
Thanks again for the excellent article.
Well said Walt! My last flight was at about the same age as you with about 4000 hours logged. One thing I have found. You may stop flying but you never stop missing it.
Great description of your decision making on retiring; not sure I fully agree, however. I’m 76, have been flying and maintaining for over 50 years and have earned both the Master Pilot and Master Mechanic awards for being safe. Anymore, I THINK about that on every flight and let good decision making dictate the go or no go decision. Where I disagree is on the “black or white” (fly or give it up) notion. What happened to shades of grey?
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve given up flying at night unless there’s no way out of it … there usually is. I don’t fly on very windy days. And I shun very busy airports unless I have to deal with them. Going out for an hour or two on nice days is my normal modus operandi anymore. I have a friend who is a few years older. He’ll fly by himself but prefers it if I’m with him. He’s sole manipulator but knows he has a backup IF necessary. When ones flying is all recreational in nature, you have the luxury of such decisions. Having a safety pilot around is a great way to mitigate getting older.
I’ve additionally moved my airplane to a rural place up north in WI. So the environment itself is basically benign.
What I see ultimately “getting” me is the ever increasing cost of maintaining and operating my airplane. Insurance companies are joining the foray for older pilots now, too. At some point, the cost/hassle will outweigh the fun factor. At that point, the “Fun Meter” will no longer be pegged and hard decisions will have to be made. Hopefully, I’ll have 5 or more years left but — ultimately — will be forced to give up the one thing that keeps MY juices flowing. Personally, I think staying in the game keeps ME both acting and thinking ‘young.’ So … I’ll give it up … kicking and screaming.
Larry,
You have made excellent choices to make your flying as safe as possible. I still right seat with friends so I get into the air every so often! W
Walt, I join the long list who have complemented you on your decision and on your writing. It rings very true to me at age 86, I have just given up flying my Citation that I have flown single pilot for 32 years. The decision was based on the factors That you described. I miss the plane, but not nearly as much as I thought I would.
Our plans for the future are to get a Maul for fun flying. My wife, who is significantly younger than I, has a private license and is hoping to work her way up , she will be the primary pilot but I hope to take some time at the controls as well.
It’s been a great ride with over 53 years of flying and 6000 hours. 4000 of it was in the Citation and even last year I flew it over 100 hours
I heard saying that there are two ways for a pilot to make his last flight. He can plan it, or not.
Again, thanks for a great write up.
Howard, I can’t imagine the great fun factor and skill challenge of 32 years in a CJ. Good for you! W
Thank you Walt for your common sense article. I’m fortunate to still be flying and instructing in my 80’s, althouugh not as much as I used to. My day of decision will come with a bit of regret, but I will still have long lasting memories from flying over 65 years and the friends met and places seen. Could I have your permission to distribute your article to some pilot friends and aviation groups I belong to?
Hi George, please share the article. I agree the people and places we touch with GA are magical. On a demo flight while selling the Cardinal I landed at a typical county airport and entered the line shack with the digits of the unicom freq, as usual. A cigar box for coffee donations, cheese cracker packets for 50 cents and free AA batteries for your headset. Only in the GA world…W
What a beautiful article I’m 89 years old flying for 67 years and yesterday I quit just because of the rubber band factor thank you for such a good article Arnie De Jong .
Congratulations on knowing when its time to say to yourself “It’s time to go”. Thats indeed flying wisdom. I find myself knowing its dual only time for me. No one in the sport should ever set themselves up for an avoidable accident.
Walt, don’t stop flying. Get a pilot friend and let him act as PIC. That is what we should all be doing for each other as we pilots get older. Just a different time of life .
My time came when I was 81. I had been spending all of my flying time, just to stay current. I was having trouble seeing traffic even though my eyesight was good per the Charts. So I sold my Arrow IV to a flying school in Wisconsin and flew my bird out there. I really miss her! There was nothing wrong with her that another 200 knots wouldn’t cure! I flew Citations and King Airs. I had a blast! But it was time.
Tom
I’m in my “late-mid” 60s and have been asking myself when to hang up the headset although I’ve only been certificated for less than 20 years. My grandparents, father and sister (who is less than four years older than me) all suffered from dementia, so every memory lapse panics me a bit. I think I would rather stop too soon than too late, but I have just retired and was hoping to get I some real trips. I’ll keep watching for that combination of signs … which I fear are right around the corner. Thanks for this, Walt.
Congrats Walt.Self diagnosis not a trait most people have.You are a very astute pilot.As a retired airline, military and 56 year GA pilot/ owner
I gave it all up after a stroke got my attention.I too sold my 4 month old
Cardinal.At 77, I can say I truly don’t miss it.Your good article should be
read by all elderly folks who may now acknowledge the inevitable as we all slow down and redirect our interests.The friends who still operate aircraft safely should always welcome those of us who have gone to the next level in our lives and learn as they inevitably progress through this great life as aviators.Hope to see you at kvnc someday.
Bob,
Your mentioning KVNC evoked another perfect flying memory. The ladies had airlined down to FL and a friend of mine came with me in my trust old Piper Dakota. Just as we were trurned in to Venice we saw the green flash. That mystical ring around the sun at sunset. Wow, only in GA. W
Thank you for your story. I am a 76YO student pilot who is struggling with “giving up a dream” and you have helped me tremendously. I am in good health at 76 but mind and body is slowing down enough to make me question my abilities. Great article and I guess I need to drag out my old RC planes from the barn. Thank you.
Respect to you Sir for making a difficult, mature, and painfully responsible decision.
I overstretched the rubber band ! At age 85 I was still instructing on microlights ( LSA’s in USA speak) but gave that up as there were fewer students at that time and I didn’t think I was doing enough instructing to keep current. At age 86 I still had my own microlight, a Druine Turbulent, magneto’s serviced then took it for a successful test flight. Next day, as I got airborne, the engine coughed, didn’t stop but blow this for a game of soldiers, and with plenty of runway left I abandoned take-off, but instinctively closed the throttle completely, and as I was barely airborne and with minimum speed, the aircraft descended rapidly, damaging an oleo and performing an uncontrollable groundloop, which cracked the port wing main spar. Of course I should have “flown” it back on to the ground but hindsight is wonderful ! No personal injury, and the airport manager, who had seen the incident, helped me get the damaged aircraft back into my hangar. I’m a pilot, not a builder, so I sold it to an enthusiast who has repaired it to flying condition. I decided that the rubber band had been overstretched and would probably break next time, so decided that age wins in the end and haven’t flown since. I intend to have a “Trial Lesson” for my 90th birthday later this year ( if I make it ! ). 22,000 hours, UK Air Force, 2 Major International Airlines, Volunteer NZ Coastguard SAR pilot ( akin to the USA CAP ) and GA microlight instructor. Can’t complain, would do it all again ( except the last bit ! )
Forgot to ask …… do motor bikes have rubber bands, ‘cos I’m still riding mine !
Wow Alan, what incredible flying career! I wouldn’t worry about the next step because if you are in NZ you are already in paradise. I gave up motorcycles (US) before flying. Just a choice. Best to you in your years leading up to 100!
Hello Walt, what a perfect way to tell a personal and I am sure, difficult story, a nice way to finish your PIC experiences. But it doesn’t mean you can’t continue to fly and still enjoy it. You inspire me to be able to make the right decision at the right time when that moment will come. Thank you again for sharing your wonderful story.
Walt,
Nicely told story of a difficult passage. Some years ago, I wrote in these pages about my own journey to selling the airplane and hanging up my headset. Rather than performance degradation, my biggest decision points were age and evolving health issues. The decision to stop flying was made after addressing a simple question: if I had a friend, same age as I, who had the medical issues I do and took the medications I do, would I let him/her take my grandsons up for a flight? The answer was firmly “no.” I flew the airplane a few more times, but it sold quickly to what I thought was a good home. As someone above said, selling your airplane can be a relief, and it was for me. I’ve never looked back. I still gaze up when I hear an engine sound (esp. the rumble of a radial!), and identify the passing bird with affection but without regret or yearning. Another commenter on your note advised not to repine about the loss, but to celebrate what was– wise words.
P.S. My beloved Aeronca Chief, brought to exactly the condition of reliability and utility I intended, was sold one more time, and that buyer totaled the airplane in a landing accident (no injuries). Seeing the photos of my torn up Chief was harder to take than selling it! Lotsa blood, sweat, and tears… oh, and money, too– went into that airplane. It should have had another lifetime of flying. R.I.P.
Hunter, that last paragraph hit me. I sold an old friend of a plane, a brute actually, a Piper Dakota to a lovely young woman who mastered it smartly. She used it for years to fly 99s races and transport dogs to higher ground. Then a few years ago she sent me a picture of a large ball of aluminum that used to be that plane. Tornado direct hit. As you say it hurts to see them in shambles. W
I had tears in my eyes the day I sold my last airplane at age 86. A sad day but more happy memories than most can dream. I have flown over 30000 hours , no accidents or official incidents. A Master Pilot pin. Many pilots wings, Captain in two airlines and Supersonic fighters. CFI in rotary wing. Police pilot, Learjet corporate pilot, adjunct professor college aviation. Sweet memories but enough tough moments to make a humble man out of me.
From open cockpits to big heavy jumbos, What a privilege to be ✈️.
Alan, you are so right it is one of the greatest privileges!
That was a wonderful tribute to what sounds like a wonderful life in aviation. I retired from the profession 5 years ago and still miss it. As you pointed out, the last couple of years I realized I needed to scribble more down on paper . My brain would not retain the data anymore.