Recently, Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger posted on social media the question: Are older pilots less effective in the cockpit of a modern commercial aircraft than younger pilots?
CHIRP was intrigued by this Human Factors question from Captain Sullenberger, aiming as it does at human performance limitations, and probing the pilots in his network to consider it too. Let us know your thoughts on Sully’s question. You never know, they might get published in the ’Comments on FEEDBACK’ section of a future ATFB!
An AI-based search on the topic / subject came up with the following – Note: that this is not the CHIRP view necessarily:
“Older pilots are not necessarily less effective; experience, judgement, and wisdom gained over time can outweigh minor age-related declines like slightly slower reaction times. While younger pilots might have quicker reflexes, older pilots can draw on a vast knowledge base to adapt and solve problems, with some research even showing older pilots improving traffic avoidance skills over time.
The advantages of experience include:
Wisdom and Judgment:
Longevity in the cockpit builds crucial experience and judgment, which is considered a pilot’s most important asset.
Problem-Solving:
An experienced pilot can adapt past knowledge and apply it to new or unfamiliar situations, demonstrating wisdom that training alone cannot provide.
Real-World Application:
Over a career, pilots incrementally gain experience, allowing them to handle unexpected situations with greater skill and insight.
Mitigating the risk of mid-air collision:
Research has shown that older pilots have better traffic awareness compared to younger pilots.
The disadvantages of longevity in the cockpit or the potential age-related factors include:
Reaction Time:
While reaction times may slightly decrease with age, studies suggest that the accumulated wisdom of an older pilot can compensate for this, at least until the mid-60s.
Let us know your thoughts on Sully’s question, and whether you agree with the statements above.
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