"Bill Daniels" bildan@comcast-dot-net wrote in message
...

I've listened to this arguement for all my life and now I'm old enough
that it may soon apply to me. In that time I've seen two sharply divided
groups. One loudly proclaims their 'right' to fly as PIC with innocent
non-pilot passengers until they are dead or incapcitated. They will
'game' the system as long as they can get away with it. The other will
say that their medical conditions preclude accepting PIC responsibilities
and continue to fly but only with a safety pilot. The former group
outnumbers the latter by a significant margin. When the day comes, I
intend to be in the later group.

It is correct to say that the current state of medical science, at least
as it is practiced by AME's, can't accurately predict the physical
performance of a pilot once he has left the doctor's office. It is also
correct to say that the pilot is in the best position to judge his
physical condition. The problem is that pilots are often, understandably,
in denial about the extent of their medical conditions.

Responsibility for one's actions and concern for the safety of others
should trump mere pride but sadly, it doesn't happen often enough. At
some point organizations will have to deal with a pilot in denial. It
should be done with respect, care and courtesy since we all will have to
face that day - but it should be done.

Bill Daniels

Bill,

A few years ago an elderly pilot, who's ability to fly far exceeds mine,
determined it was time to give up the sport. He had just completed an
outstanding flight from Sun Valley, Idaho. During the after flight
debriefing (you know, beer and "there I was, scratching the Bolders") he
stated he wanted his memories of flying to be the great flight he and just
finished and put his Mini-Nimbus on the market.

Though we miss him when we fly, we all adminre his wisdom and judgement.

Wayne
HP-14 "6F"
http://www.soaridaho.com/