American Airlines pilot Jeff Fell made a tear-jerker of an announcement to the cabin of his last flight, from Charlotte to Chicago O’Hare. A pilot’s last flight is very special, and can be accompanied by family and friends and will often receive a water cannon salute.
For Jeff Fell’s last flight he thanked his family who joined as passengers to celebrate his 32 years in the cockpit, declaring “I love all of you.” And he thanked his wife – being married to a pilot on the road for work is not easy. He offered, “if I get a little emotional, please forgive me for that.”
He joined passengers in celebrating the moment that represented not just one man’s career, but 32 years of takeoffs – and 32 years of landings.
@realjharrison priviliged to have been there for this #americanairlines #retirement #fypシ ♬ original sound – justin again
American Airlines captains sometimes have a lot to say. Over the summer one lectured passengers on inflight etiquette (and got it generally quite right). This was a more poignant speech.
Airline pilot retirements can be doubly emotional when they aren’t ready to go. They often don’t decide when to retire.
- Under the Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act the mandatory retirement age for pilots is 65 (it was 60 up until 2007). The theory is that age brings deterioration in depth perception, eyesight, stamina, balance, hearing and other abilities. But we use age instead of the physicals that pilots have to go through.
- Those physicals, unfortunately, don’t take advantage of the latest medical advances. Airlines don’t check brain mass with an MRI, we don’t test visual field response through electro retinography, they don’t do audiogram testing or EEGs. Instead they cut everyone off from flying for a part 121 carrier at 65.
Several years ago I wrote about what it’s like for a captain to retire from American Airlines (including their retirement gift). It’s an emotional time, that’s recognized by the company and one that families often take part in.
So not right! Is Pilot who obviously has a love for his profession should not be forced to retire by an arbitrary age discriminatory law the pilot age.
Experience matters!
“ Those physicals, unfortunately, don’t take advantage of the latest medical advances. Airlines don’t check brain mass with an MRI, we don’t test visual field response through electro retinography, they don’t do audiogram testing or EEGs.”
As a neurologist, I am intrigued as how taking a picture of the brain with an MRI or using an EEG is going to be able to determine whether a person is able to fly an airplane. please opine
Passing the annual FAA flight physical can be a joke. I live in the main hub city of a major airline and through the military I know literally dozens of their pilots. ALL of them chose to get their physicals from the same local old-timer physician, passing his exam was known to be a slam-dunk. For example his hearing test was to say in a somewhat quiet voice, “Can you hear me now?” When a mid-six figure job depends on passing an annual physical people have an huge incentive to get the least thorough exam as possible.
Ophthalmologist here. I fail to see how an ERG would be useful at all to check someone’s vision, let alone determine their fitness for flying. An electroretinogram can highlight specific pattern abnormalities but is not going to be able to tell you if someone is 20/20, 20/40, or 20/200.
Echoing my neurology colleague here, let’s refrain from the utterly uninformed nonsense.
Congratulations on a long and successful career. You look great. I’ll bet you fly great. It is sad and unconscionable that you now have to stop providing your lifelong expertise to society. I am sorry we didn’t get 67 over the finish line in time for you. Enjoy you wife and family every day.
I am a retired airline pilot. 1st class medicals are required and come every 6 months, including an annual EKG.. Hearing the spoken word across the room when facing away is the FAA standard. Only FAA certified examiners can do the physical, and the results are sent to the FAA. If you think this is a cake walk, talk to any pilot who has ever failed to meet the standard. I am 10 years retired and am on no medication and could still do that job. Also, remember there are 2 pilots in the cockpit. It is very rare to have an incapacitated pilot event. It is very discouraging to be at the top of your game, and at the stroke of the clock on your 65th birthday to be fired. Yes, fired for no good reason.
Congratulations to Captain Fell and to all retiring pilots who are celebrated on their last flights. As a forty year flight attendant, I have participated on many of these flights, and have helped to make them a great experience for all. When my turn comes next, I will simply work my flight and walk off the plane at the end and go home. My daughter who has not had her mother at home for many birthdays, and holidays over the years will not get to go with me, there will be no cake or flowers… our years of taking care of passengers, whether pleasant or ornery, whether healthy or sick, inflight emergencies and CPR will go totally unnoticed as we walk off the plane pulling our suitcase and go home.
Agree with the opinions of my physician colleges Gustav Speed and Daniel Brown.
Although not a specialist in their fields (I’m a pulmonary/critical care) I fail to see how those highly specialized testing will help with the task of determining physical fitness to operate as a pilot. However, being a general aviation pilot I do agree with others that recurrent FAA pilot medical exams (at least the third class certificate) can be less than ideal in determining the full medical fitness of applicants.
I’m considering certifying as a FAA medical examiner to increase my engagement with my local aviation community and keep busy during my upcoming retirement years. Perhaps once I complete training (and with the help of others), I may be able to provide recommendations to improve the process.
I hear you Petra !!Im all for celebrating pilots last flights but, Flight Attendants don’t get family on last flight, no recognition, no water cannons! Absolutely nothing!! We just walk off the plane into the sunset!
Same carrier retired last month nearly 40 years 28000 hours and single digit seniority. 67 or 70 would be no big deal but according to the FAA experience not needed even during a labor shortage. I fullly blace the blame on the government when that first major accident happens. They were warned and did absolutely nothing.