Quote:
Originally Posted by Flamingnun
Afaik the FAA states that commercial pilots must retire at the age of 65. I think it was successfully raised from 60 to 65 in 2007. Not sure how that affects South African aviation authority's, but I'd imagine they follow a similar procedure, mandatory retirement at X age.
Anyhow, welcome to Yahooka. Thumbsup at the twin commanche  .
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Hi Flamingnun
You are quite correct, I can still fly commercially after 65 for gain, but I may not be pilot in command after the age of 65 if I fly cross border.
How come you know the Twinco, mine is a beautiful example of this fine aircraft, very well equipped & extremely fast. They are mooted as 6 seaters, but I have long range tip tanks installed which reduces my payload. The 3rd row of seats are very small, so I have configured her as a 4 seater normally, only installing the last row when necessary at the expence of range. It was avery sad time when the Piper factory at Longhaven got flooded. All the jigs were damaged & they discontinued production of this fine aircraft. They are quite scarce, mine is the 2nd best example in SA, the most pristine is a CR model with turbo charged 200hp motors counter rotating props. Mine has clockwise rotating 160 hp motors. When I test flew it, I lost the left engine on take off, crank broke between 2 & 3, this is the critical engine due to gyroscopic forces acting towards the dead motor & the aircraft spinning very easily if not handled correctly. I overboosted the other motor & climbed out at 200fpm & declared an emergency & landed safely back on the runway. I bought it immediately because that was the most severe acid test I could have done, I could have lost it & died. I replaced both motors for new ones from the States & have never looked back.