Flying Safely While Aging Gracefully - Montair...

Part 1

Aging Pilots

Aging Pilots & Old Airplanes

• Presented by: ( http://MontairFlight.com)

Hobart C. “Hobie” Tomlinson

FAA National “CFI of the Year” ~ 2012

FAAST~VT Lead Rep~PWM/FSDO ~ BTV

EAA Flight Adv. ~ Chapter 613 ~ BTV

SAFE Master Inst ~ Mar. 2003 ~ BTV

Cirrus CSIP ~ Avidyne & G1000 ~ BTV

Soloed ~ 10Aug60 ~ Aeronca 7AC ~ BTV

Copyright 2013 ~ Hobart C. Tomlinson

http://montairflight.com/

My CFI (Dad) - 1959

Quote of the Day

• “Inside every older person is a younger

person wondering what the hell

happened!”

Cora Harvey Armstrong

Gospel singer and songwriter

1960 – 1972 – 1996 – 2012 (Where did the years go?)

Hobie Tomlinson – CFI Bio.

• FAA/DPE (1977) ~ PWM/FSDO @ BTV

• FAA/CFI (1965) ~ PWM/FSDO @ BTV

Montair Flight Services, LLC (Present) @ BTV

CE560XL /Ck Air ~ (7 yrs) HA @ BTV

B757/B767 I/E ~ (4 yrs) AAL @ STL

Mgr Tng/E. Reg ~ (2 yrs) TWA @ JFK

B747 Fleet Mgr ~ (6 yrs) TWA @ JFK

B727 Inst/Ck Air ~ (2 yrs) TWA @ JFK

• 35,600+ Hrs TT ~ 11,000+ Hrs ~ Flt Instr

“Book-End’ CFI Aircraft

The Problem

• 1971 ~ Average Pilot Age ~ 35.5 years



• 2010 ~ 132.0k (40.0%) over 50 years old

• 2010 ~ 100.3K (18.5%) over 60 years old

• 2011 ~ 24,354 (04.5%) over 70 years old

• 2011 ~ 4,817 (00.8%) over 80 years old

• (Note: 29.3 % of all pilots over 60 years old.)

You’re an “Old Pilot” if:

You can remember

the color of:

• 80/87 Octane - Red

• 91/96 Octane – Blue

• 100/130 Octane –

Green

• 115/145 Octane -

Purple

Objective

• Increased Awareness of Aging Issues

• How These Changes effect our Flying

• Coping Strategies to help us Adjust

• Mitigating Risk to your Flight Operations

• Instruction Techniques used with Aging Airmen

• Other Risk Mitigation strategies

• “Safety is actually a method of controlling costs”

– Richard H. Wood in Aviation Safety Programs

Effects of Aging

• Changes in Hearing/Vision

• Physical Fitness

• Cognitive Function Memory Problems/ADM

Context Processing (Counter Intuitive Actions)

• Mental/Emotional Stubbornness

Resist Change

• Slower Reflexes

• Slower Decision Making

Changes in Hearing

• Hearing Difficulty

Hearing Decrease – Esp. High Freq.

• Solutions:

Use Hearing Protectors (Ramp & Aircraft)

Use Quality Headsets ~ ANR Recommended

Annual Hearing Exam (Hearing aid?)

Replace “marginal/old” Avionics

Maintain “Sterile Cockpit” (Avoid Distractions)

Ask ATC to Speak Slower

Changes in Vision 1

• Cockpit Vision

Near Vision Degrades (Multiple Focal Lengths)

Night Vision Degrades (Sharp Light Contrasts)

Peripheral Vision Narrows (Overhead Panels)

Longer to Change Focus

• Light Adaptability

Requires more ambient light (Panel/Charts at night)

Glare (Sun/Ramp Lights – 60 yr. old requires 20X longer than 20 yr. old to recover from glare)

Night Operations Difficulty

Changes in Vision 2

Solutions:

• Current Prescriptions

Annual exam with ophthalmologist

• Avoid Tinted Lenses (in Low Light)

• Clean Windshield (in and out)

• Seat Height & Dual Tint Glasses

• Ipad Charts & Flt Plans

• Change to new type “LED” Ldg/Taxi Lts

• Upgrade Cockpit Lighting & Avionics

Physical Fitness 1

Problems:

• Physical Dexterity Decrease in Flexibility & Strength

Difficulty with Fine Motor Tasks

Stick & Rudder Skills Deteriorate

Hip or Joint replacement?

• Stamina, Endurance & Hypoxia Increase in Rate & Amount of Fatigue (Tire easily?)

Bladder capacity

Heart/Lung capacity (Smoking #1 detriment)

Physical Fitness 2

• Balance & Mobility Difficulty Entering & Exiting Light Aircraft

Fallen recently?

• Weight Increase Obesity Major Problem in US

Inactivity Major Contributor

Lower Back Pain

Cockpits Smaller & Performance Less

Been in the Front Seat of a J-3 (or CE-140) Lately?

• Do Annual Medical Check-Ups (After Age 50)

Physical Fitness 3

Solutions:

• Weight Control Regular Aerobic Exercise

Brisk walking, hiking (20 min/5 X wk.)

Strength Training

• Adequate Nutrition & Hydration

• Adequate Rest – Control Stress Level

• Annual Medical Check (Family Doctor)

• Stop Smoking & Control Alcohol Use

UV Exposure / Skin Changes

Problems:

• Subtle Changes in Skin as we age

• High UV exposures occur during flight

Lower atmospheric protection at flight altitudes (+ in mountains)

Aircraft windows magnify sun effect

High UV exposure a factor in skin cancer development

Solutions:

• Limit Sun/UV Exposure - as much as possible

Wear / Use Protective Clothing & Gear (i.e. Hats, Sun Shades)

Use High UV Sunscreen on Unprotected Skin (30 – 50 SPF)

Remain aware of abnormal skin changes

Annual check with Dermatologist (Esp. when over 50 yrs old)

Cognitive Function 1

Problems:

• Short Term Memory Diminishes

• Retention Rate Diminishes

• Context Processing Ability Diminishes

• Complex Tasks Tire & Overload Quicker

• Slower / Poor Avn. Decision Making (ADM)

• Resistance to Change Increases

Cognitive Function 2

Solutions:

• Active Lifestyle & Weight Control

Physically

Mentally

• Reading or New Course of Study

• Adequate Rest & Nutrition (Monitor Fatigue)

• Keep Flight Plan & Charts Handy

Obtain/Use Altitude Alerter & Clearance Recorder

Always Use an Airport Diagram (Ipad/ForeFlight)

Mental/Emotional Fitness 1

Problems:

• Stress & Fatigue (Hypertension/Cancer)

• Distracters

Financial, marital, kids, etc.

• Alcohol and Medications

Food supplements/herbal remedies

• Inadequate Training or Experience

Mental/Emotional Fitness 2

Solutions:

• Physical Exercise Routine (Stress Control)

• Adequate Rest & Proper ADM

• Learn a New Skill or Hobby

• Practice Compartmentalization

• Know Alcohol Limits/Drug Compatibility

• Spiritual Resources (Stress Control)

• Appropriate Recurrent Training

Reflexes 1

Problems:

• Slow

Even Slower with Poor ADM

• Lower Sensory Perception

Longer to asses Situation

Longer to reach Decision

Longer to React

Reflexes 2

Solutions:

• Wider Margins (Personal Limits)

• Planning (Fewer Surprises)

• Procedures (Structure)

• Practice Good SRM & ADM

• Flight Discipline (Don’t Improvise)

A superior pilot is one who uses his excellent judgment to avoid situations requiring the use of his extraordinary skill

Equipment Solutions

• Replace marginal/outdated Avionics

• Use quality ANR headsets

• Install ipad Holder & Use ipad Charts

• Consider using “Clearance Recorder”

• Install Electronic PFD with Altitude Alert

• Install GPS/MFD with Moving Map

• Install TAWS, XM wx & Traffic Display

• Install good Autopilot

• Keep equipment in Top Condition

• Hangar Aircraft

Training Syllabus Solutions

• Do Annual “Wings” Program Include AFM & Procedures Review

Do not accept lower standards

• Do “Six Month” IFR/IPC Refresher Train on same type missions you fly

Train in same equipment you fly

Train with High Experience CFI

• Fly Often ~ Do Post Flight Critiques

• Obtain Dual (challenging days/missions)

• Train Before attempting something unfamiliar

• Instrument Training (dual) on IFR flight plan – IMC (and/or night) when possible

• Make Use Of AATD simulators & On-Line CBT

Flight Instruction Solutions

• Allow More Time/Don’t Rush

• Use Shorter Training Blocks/Flights

• Don’t Overload/Be Methodical (Use Safety Pilot)

• Be Aware of Physiological State

• Monitor Fatigue Level

• Extra Review Periods

• Verify Retention

Procedural Solutions 1

• Fly in Uncongested Airspace

• Fly during Less Busy Times

• Fly Familiar Routes

• Use Safety Pilot / Share Flights

• Operate in Day-VFR Conditions

• Fly in Low Wind & Smooth Air

• Double Planning & Preflight Time

• Get Training before Unfamiliar Tasks

• Be Realistic about Skills & Abilities

• Always have a Plan B & Flexible Schedule

Procedural Solutions 2

• Adopt Professional Approach to Flying Use Better Flt Planning (Computer Based)

Use Checklists / Know the AFM

Develop and Use Standard Procedures

Predetermine Limits ~ Personal Minimums

Fly Rested & Frequently

Get Initial Qualification on unfamiliar equipment from Factory, FSI, or a high experience CFI

Get Frequent Refresher Training (Use High Exp. CFI)

• Don’t Deny Your Limitations

Acknowledge and Work with Them

Human Factors Solutions 1 • Fly Often - Use Standard Procedures

• Respect Limitations - Aircraft & Pilot

• Plan Flight & Fly Plan (No surprises) Use computer based flight planning & Wx Briefings

Have good information

Use good procedures (including self briefings)

Adhere to personal limits/minimums

• “Right Size” Aircraft Smaller/Less Complex

“Family” Similarities & Experience in type

Less Complex Avionics & No Aircraft “Quirks”

Light Sport Aircraft?

Human Factors Solutions 2

• Do Not Fly Stressed or Fatigued

• Do Not Fly Marginal VFR

• Do Not Fly defective Equipment

• Do Not Taxi Until: All After-Start Checks Completed

ATIS/AWOS & Clearance Received & Recorded

All Com & Nav Systems Programmed

Taxi Diagram, Departure Procedure & Return Approach Charts “on Chart Holder”

• Maintain Situational Awareness (Esp. Min. Safe Altitudes)

• Use IFR procedures at Night, Even When VFR

• Remain Realistic About Your Skills & Abilities

Insurance Issues

• Keep Same Insurance Broker (Company)

• Safety Record Matters - Stay Proficient Maintain Proficiency (Fly Often)

Consider “Easier” Airplane

Restrict Night and/or “Heavy” IFR Flying

Consider carrying 2nd “Safety Pilot”

Annual Recurrent Training

Annual Flight Review (Preferably “Wings” Based)

Continue Aviation Education (New Ratings)

Turning In The Keys

• Increase in Incidents/Loss of Confidence

• Difficulty with Flight Reviews

• Confusion/Hesitation/Skill Degradation

• “Phase Out” Strategies Suspend PIC Opns (Fly with Pilot Friend/CFI)

Give Back (Aviation Volunteer/School Talks)

Pass Wisdom and Experience on to “Next Gen”

Leave “Great Legacy” for “Next Gen” (Quit at Peak)

Research on “Older” Pilots

• Research shows you can teach an old pilot new tricks. A study published in the February 2007 issue of Neurology Magazine showed that expert knowledge may offset the impact of old age in some occupations. Researchers tested 118 pilots, aged 40 to 69, in a flight simulator on an annual basis for three years. All the pilots were currently flying, had medical certificates, and had between 300 and 15,000 hours of flight time. They were tested on communications, traffic avoidance, instrument scanning, emergency detections, and visual approaches. While older pilots initially performed worse than younger pilots, older pilots showed less of a decline in overall flight summary scores. They also improved more than younger pilots when it came to traffic avoidance. Pilots with advanced ratings and certificates also showed less of a performance decline over time, regardless of age. This is known as “crystallized intelligence,” also seen in music and expert chess playing. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is commissioning its own study where it will look at a broader age range ~ including those older than 69.

Resources

• www.aopa.org

• www.webmed.com

• www.aaa.com

• www.nhtsa.dot.gov

• www.aarp.org/55alive

• www.highwaysafety.org

Intermission

Part 2

Old Airplanes

1977 Grumman American AA-1C

The Problem

• General Aviation Aircraft Age Increasing

Peak GA Aircraft Production 1960 - 1980

Typical/Average GA Aircraft Over 30 Yrs Old

PA28-161 (30 Yrs old +12,000 Hrs)

CE-172N (35 Yrs old + 8,000 Hrs)

Champion 7EC (54 Yrs old + 4,700 Hrs)

Cessna 180A (56 Yrs old + 5,000 Hrs)

How “Old” is your Aircraft?

• Chronological Age:

Based on Date of Manufacture

Easy to Compute

• True Age:

Based on Service Use & Conditions

Difficult to Compute

1959 Champion 7FC-365

Defining Aircraft’s “True Age”

• True Aircraft Age equates to how much of

its service (useful) life has been used up?

• The Big 3 (Questions)

Use

Storage

Maintenance

• Heavy Loads, Turbulence, Hard Landings?

(Heavy Use)

Flight Instruction Aerobatics

Sky Diving Mtn Flying

Pipeline Patrol Air Combat

Banner Towing Air Freight -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

– Mechanical Failure Accidents remain relatively

constant at about 16% of total GA accidents.

Aircraft’s – USE 1

Aircraft’s – USE 2

• Heavy Use (Without Regular)

Inspection/Repair/Replace Program =

Guarantee of Mechanical Failure

• Proactive Maintenance (Absolute Best)

“If you take care of the small things, the big

things will take care of themselves.”

Emily Dickinson Quote

VT45 ~ Northern Lights Airport

Aircraft’s – Storage 1

• Regional Climates

Southwest – (High Sunlight - Low Moisture)

High UV Damage (Paint, Plastics, Fabrics)

Low Corrosion Risk (Metals)

South/Coast – (High Moisture / Contaminants)

Moisture Damage (High Corrosion Risk)

“Musty” Interior Risk


• Storage Location

Hangar (Paved Floor - Climate Controlled)

Best Method

Very Low UV & Moisture Exposure

Dirt Floor Enclosure (High Moisture)

Worst Method

High Corrosion Risk

High “Critter Damage” Risk (Birds/Mice/Squirrels)


Tied Down (Outside Storage)

Least Desirable

High Deterioration Risk

Inactivity (High Deterioration Risk)

Should be Properly Stored (Over 30 Days Non-Use)

High Risk of Internal Engine-Corrosion Damage

Exacerbates Regional Climate Damage

Exacerbates “Critter Damage”

Aircraft’s – Maintenance 1

B707-331B – Aug 67 Damascus, Syria


• Damage History

Documented Damage

What Type

How Repaired

Who repaired

Undocumented Damage

More Common

Requires Detailed Inspection


• Aircraft Modifications (“Mods”)

Comprehensive List

Higher Horsepower

Higher Gross Weight

Vortex Generators “VGs”

Increased Fuel

STOL (Short Takeoff & Land)

Tundra Tires

Upgraded Wheel Brakes or Other Systems


Verify STCs (Supplemental Type Certificates)

All Mods Properly Documented

oMaintenance Records

oAFM (Aircraft Flight Manual)

oUnapproved Parts (Carbs, Mags, Alt/Reg, etc.)

oValidate (TCDS, OEM Data, Parts/Mx Manuals)

• Equipment List

All Installed Equipment Listed

All Listed Equipment Installed


• Weight & Balance (Current?)

• Aircraft Rigging

Validate Flight Characteristics

Static Control Check (Eng. “OFF”)

No Unusual Noises

No Binding

Control Tab Indexing/ Cable Tension


• Metals (Fatigue & Corrosion)

Cracking (Location & Effect)

Factors

oType of Flight Activity

o Improper Maintenance

oAccident/Incident Damage

oMetal Deformities & Defects

oParts “Stressed” During Installation


Corrosion

Surface (Chemical & Electro-Chemical)

Pitting (Tiny Holes)

Filiform (Under Paint from High Humidity)

Fritting (Movement between Adjoining Surfaces)

Intergranular

Dissimilar Metals (Magnesium Ailerons – Beech)

Use NDT (Non Destructive Testing)

VT45 ~ Northern Lights Airport


• Exterior Symptoms (Risk Areas)

Non-Structural Cracks & Deformations

Propeller Corrosion

Wheel Corrosion, Tire Degradation & Gear Att. Pts

Rust & Corrosion

Exhaust Trail Area Contamination

Windshield/Window Degradation

Rivet & Skin Joint Corrosion

Antenna Deterioration & Mount Damage

Piano Hinge Corrosion

Paint Deterioration


• Interior Symptoms (Risk Areas) Control Cables & Pulleys

Battery Compartment Corrosion

Wooden Structure Deterioration

Internal Structure (Corrosion & Fatigue – Use NDT!)

Fuel Tanks (Condition, Integrity, & Leakage Damage)

Under Floor Board/Fluid Line– Corrosion/Contamination

Door & Window Seal Leakage (Water Damage)

Seats & Seat Tracks

Wiring & Avionics (Deterioration & “Junk/Inop Items)

Hardware Deterioration


• Engine Symptoms (Risk Areas) Slow/Static “Pull Thru” (Listen Carefully)

Comprehensive Mx Run-Up

Compression Check & Boroscope

Engine Mounts (Condition & Installation)

Exhaust System (Leaks & Cracks)

Baffles (Condition)

Fluid Lines (Corrosion & Leakage)

Hoses and Belts (Damage, Chaffing & Tension)

Gaskets (Leakage)

Hardware (Corrosion & Damage)


• Restored and/or Experimental Aircraft

Logbooks (Old Logbooks Missing)

Logbook Entries ( Shallow, Undetailed)

Cleanliness (Esp. Belly, Eng. Compartment)

Corrosion Present (Covered by New Paint/Fabric)

Propeller (Bent, “Wave” in Blades, Corrosion)

Engine (Overtime, Low-Use)

Rare Engines (Franklin, Ranger, Warner – Parts Avail.)

“Homemade” Trim Tabs (A/C “Bent”)

Bonded Honeycomb Structure (Grumman American)

Composite Structure (Various Exp. A/C)


• BPS Aircraft – Parachute Repack Due Date

• ELT Type Battery Due Date

406 MHz (or old 121.5 MHz)

• Aircraft Performance Data (Avail & Accurate) If Not – Create by Actual Flt Testing

Leave Safety Margins in Data

• Old Avionics (“Rats Nest” wiring behind Panel)

• Status of all Life Limited Parts

Recommended/Mandatory Overhaul Part Times (Ldg Gear, Etc.)


• Aircraft Documents (Research) Title Search

Maintenance Logbooks (Aircraft, Engine & Propeller)

Airworthiness Directives (ADs) & Difficulty Repots

Special Airworthiness Information Bulletins (SIAB)

Service Letters, Bulletins & Instructions

Aviation Maintenance Alerts

Aircraft TCDS & FAA Records Search

Aircraft Accident Data Base (for type)

Comprehensive Part Number List & Compatibility Ck

Information from “Type” Clubs, Gurus & Specialty Shops

~ We Were All Young Once ~


• Major Cessna Issues

Wing “Spar-Beam” Corrosion

Overhead Panel Corrosion

Belly “Contaminate” Build-Up

Engine/Propeller Control Cable Deterioration

Elevator Trailing Edge Corrosion

Inner Skin Corrosion

Magnesium Wheel Corrosion

“400-series” Spar Fatigue Cracking

Wing-Spar Attachment Fitting Corrosion

Exhaust System Cracks & Jack Screw “Play”


• Major Piper Issues

Spar Cap Corrosion

Fuel Tank corrosion

Stabilizer Corrosion

Floor Corrosion

Battery Box Corrosion

Leaking Door & Window Seals

Torque Tube Corrosion

Bulkhead Corrosion

Aircraft Evaluation

• Younger (True Age) Older

Excellent (Maint. History) Poor

None (Damage History) Multiple

Never (Flt. Tng/Hard Use) Much

Hangar (Storage) Outside

Normal (Usage) Hard/High

Always (Eng. Preheat) Never

Aircraft Care Recommendations

• Industry “Best Practices” Keep Clean & Waxed

Keep Inspected

Fly Regularly (Once per Wk – ½ Hr Min.)

Properly Prepare for Low Use Periods (Winter)

Do Routine Preventative Mx

Treat for Corrosion

Monitor all Maintenance

Keep Hangared

Join Type Club/EAA

Resources

• Aopa.org

• Eaa.org

• Vaa.org

• Type Clubs

• Specialty Shops

Questions (www.montairflight.com)

Thank you for your Time

and Attention!

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