Thread: Too Old?
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Old September 3rd 08, 11:53 AM posted to rec.aviation.homebuilt,rec.aviation.owning,rec.aviation.piloting
Peter Dohm
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Posts: 1,754
Default Too Old?

"Chris J" wrote in message
...
Had to jump in on this one too. I have a good friend at my airport, Jon
Weiss, who is currently 89 depending on which day you ask him. He retired
from American when the new on the 707's hadn't worn off yet! He has a
pace maker and still has a medical, is a CFI (still does BFR's and
tailwheel checkouts), and an IA. He's at the airport every day or so and
still flies at least every couple of weeks. Just finished restoring a
Fairchild 22 he's owned since the early 50's. Got bored after that and
bought a cub that needed some TLC. He has a Super Cub, Fairchild 22, J-3,
and a Beech Travel Air. I fly with him occasionally and he's still got
it. Last year while flying a Champ for a friend of ours who wasn't
tailwheel current, the engine locked up between airports. He put it in a
pretty short field without a scratch. I'd fly with him anywhere, any
time.
Hell I'm 35 and would be happy to have his energy and enthusiasm most
days! He isn't gonna win a marathon, but he still drives, flies, and works
on his own airplanes, and all competently as I see it. I could drop dead
just as easily as he could. If you're still able in mind and body, and
doing it on a personal, not for hire basis, I say keep em flying!
And a few months ago, he renewed the lease on his hangar. He said he
didn't want to take any chances, so he signed a 25 year lease!! Hell, he
may make it!
CJ

Basically, he has a life; the and the safety-nuts and banners-of-everything
don't.

Peter